Brouwerij KEES in Middelburg aged this imperial stout in cognac barrels for 26 months, starting from a single 2000-litre base batch. At 9.1% ABV, it is a deeply flavoured dark beer shaped entirely by the influence of French oak and spirit residue.

The nose reveals warm caramel, tobacco and wood spice alongside dark fruit notes. On the palate, sweet caramel and toffee tones meet subtle oak and brandy warmth, creating a rounded, complex whole. The body is smooth and full, with a gentle alcohol warmth that persists through the finish.

A beer for those who appreciate barrel-aged stouts with time and craft behind them.