Painted Black is an Imperial Stout from PopHop, based in Capelle aan den IJssel, Netherlands, brewed at 10% ABV. The brewery takes an unconventional approach: five weeks of maturation on heavily toasted oak chips soaked in Scotch whisky, creating a 'fake barrel-aged' character without actual cask aging.

The aroma leads with espresso and dark coffee, followed by smoky oak notes. On the palate, this full-bodied Imperial Stout delivers roasted malt, whiskey warmth, and wood as dominant flavours. Bitterness is present and purposeful, while sweetness is deliberately restrained, allowing roast and oak to command the profile.

Best enjoyed slowly at around 10°C, poured generously to build a lasting brown head.