Toppling Goliath — Kentucky Brunch Brand Stout 2022

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

The nose opens with profound bourbon-soaked oak, dark roasted coffee, and waves of vanilla-laced maple syrup. Undertones of dark chocolate and toasted pecans emerge as the beer warms. On the palate, dense molasses and espresso dominate, supported by caramelized brown sugar and charred oak tannins. The bourbon character integrates seamlessly, lending warmth without overwhelming the complex malt foundation. The finish is remarkably long, with bittersweet chocolate, coffee grounds, and lingering bourbon heat that slowly fades into dried fruit and subtle tobacco notes.

Food Pairing

Pair with a rich chocolate pecan tart or bourbon-glazed bread pudding, where the dessert’s sweetness and nutty elements mirror the beer’s decadent profile. Alternatively, serve alongside smoked brisket burnt ends with espresso barbecue sauce, allowing the meat’s char and smoke to complement the coffee and barrel notes while cutting through the beer’s intensity.

About Toppling Goliath Brewing Company

Toppling Goliath Brewing Company was founded in 2009 in Decorah, Iowa, a small town in the northeastern part of the state. What began as a modest operation has evolved into one of America’s most sought-after craft breweries, earning a cult following among beer enthusiasts worldwide. The brewery has built its reputation on producing exceptionally bold, hop-forward beers with meticulous attention to ingredient quality and brewing precision.

Toppling Goliath is particularly renowned for its India Pale Ales, with their flagship offerings showcasing intensely aromatic hop profiles and complex flavour layering. The brewery’s commitment to small-batch production and limited distribution has only heightened demand for their beers, which often appear on allocation lists and trade highly among collectors. Their brewing philosophy centres on pushing boundaries while maintaining balance and drinkability, even in their most intensely flavoured offerings.

The name itself reflects the David versus Goliath ethos of craft brewing, with a small independent brewery challenging established industry giants through quality and innovation. Their beers consistently rank among the highest-rated in the world, cementing Toppling Goliath’s status as an iconic American craft brewery.

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