Our second beer from Brasserie Atrium is the showpiece in their core range. Onyx is an imperial stout brewed with cacao, vanilla and orange peel.
Of course malt is the hero if this beer, with 15 different malts used in the process. Rich chocolate, caramel, roasted malt, vanilla and to a lesser extent coffee, licorice, a hint of smoke with wood and a mineral spiciness.
We are told there is orange peel in there too, but I really can’t seem to find that flavour. I’m sure its there, but must be pretty subtle underneath all those other robust flavours.
It is a big beer, but dangerously easy to drink. That’s always a sign of a good brewer in my book.
This beer will open up a lot as it warms, so do yourself a favour and allow it to stand outside the fridge for a good 10-15 minutes before you pour it.