This insane collab has been a long time in the works, originally dreamt up as a Black Box feature - but we were all just too damn excited to wait until 2026 to make it a reality!
Bacchus Brewing, our sunshine state friends, are well known for their unique approach to beers, think crazy sour beers (including a couple of GABS People’s Choice Awards), themed brews and finally, big malty and boozy beers. This last description is what we wanted this collaboration to be, and they truly delivered.
With over 50+ beer collaborations under our belt (we have a spreadsheet going), be very afraid (or excited) when we say this is our booziest beer collab yet. A hybrid Barleywine/Scotch Ale base was brewed, then aged on oak infused with yet another special collaboration: the Darkness x Carwyn Cellars ‘Port Charlotte 13 YO Oloroso Cask’ Whisky. Yep, a bit of collab on collab action to really ramp up the peat & booze.
Test tinnies of the base beer were sent all the way from Capalaba to Thornbury, where we ran a series of different measures (including a lot of tasting) to determine the right amount of whisky to add to this beer. We think we've found the perfect ratio to showcase of the best of both worlds.
TASTING NOTES
Big whack of peat malt in the nose, herbal, earthy and the impression of a Rauchbier. As it warms up notes of chocolate and toffee come out, bringing some sweet balancing notes up. In mouth it's medium-full bodied, with a velvety texture.
The flavour is sweet but immediately covered by the rich peated malt and whisky character. Prunes and raisins soaked in whisky, with burnt caramel and toast. A light acidity that, with the assertive bitterness and the savoury peated character, leaves an off-dry finish. Very enjoyable and just begging for a roast to be paired with.
– Tito Orellana (Beer Ambassador)
THE WHISKY BEHIND THE COLLAB
Darkness x Carwyn Cellars ‘Port Charlotte 13 YO Oloroso Cask’
Darkness source rare and exciting casks from some of the best whisky producers in Scotland and America, finish them for an additional ~6 months in a sherry octave. After doing the hard yards tasting a variety of samples, we fell in love with this rare Port Charlotte cask. Only 85 bottles released, exclusively available in our bar and shop.
SHOP
Bacchus x Carwyn Cellars 'Charlotte's Dark Web' Peated Scotch Barleywine
Peated Scotch Barleywine
Capalaba, QLD x Thornbury, VIC | 15.0%
[ 357ML CAN ] | [ 370ML BOTTLE ]
Darkness x Carwyn Cellars - Port Charlotte 13 YO Oloroso Cask
Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Islay, Scotland | 50.1% | 500ml
[ SHOP HERE ]
