Panda at home, thanks to Kenneth, 26/04/2026.
Black topped with a khaki cap that veers to the edge.
Nose is port barrel, vinous, red berry twang, chocolate, tangy fruit rinds, molasses.
Taste comprises chocolate shavings, big port, red wine barrel, dried red berries, molasses, spice, warming alcohol, fruit cake mix, a trace of bourbon hiding in there.
Full bodied, fine carbonation, drying close with a balanced rising boost.
Solid sipper ... weighs in pretty easy for the 19.8% ... delivers on all the flavour promise but packs a punch to remind you it's a ballsy bastard.

21st March 2026
19.8%. Bourbon, Ruby Port and Zinfandel BA. Near opaque dark brown amber beer, small bubbly tan head, a pretty short lifespan. Palate is briefly airy but quickly develops weight commensurate with it's massive abv. Mildly dry and, delivering modest fine carbonation, perfect for such a hefty brew. The dark malts are somewhat light bodied but, carrying a little dark chocolate, chocolate cake and chocolate fudge, none of it too sweet. Mahooosive ripe fruit, super saturated in aged bourbon. Alcohol spice. The Port and Zinfandel barrels, make this something special. An alcohol spicy ripe red berry fruits. The richness of port, the bright fruitiness of Zinfandel, both at the heel of the bourbon richness. Wet wood bitterness and ripeness. Airy finish. Bloody hell, this is a gob full. Intense and rich. Something well beyond a port and seemingly stronger than a decent bourbon. This is an experience. As the craft beer movement starts its decline, drink this and marvel at it's pinnacles.