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Ground Control

Oregon
United States
Ninkasi Ground Control Barrel-aged Imperial Stout beer
Judges Ratings 
1 Review
95
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
37 / 40
Appearance:
6 / 6
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Description 

Ground Control boldly combines local and out-of-this-world ingredients. This rich, complex Imperial Stout is brewed with Oregon hazelnuts, star anise and cocoa nibs, and is fermented with an Ale yeast that survived a trip to space and back. This second-edition brew has been aged in Old Forester Bourbon barrels for four months.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
10.0%
IBUs: 
80
Hops: 
Apollo, Bravo, Comet
Malts: 
Two-Row Pale, Black, Chocolate, Munich, Crystal, Honey, Special Roast, Peated
Judges Review 
Michael Heniff's picture
Judges Rating:
95
Aroma:
23 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
37 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

This Imperial Stout is brewed with Oregon hazelnuts, star anise and cocoa nibs then aged in Old Forester Bourbon barrels for four months. If that isn’t quite enough, this beer is part of the Ninkasi Space Program (NSP); the ale yeast used in this beer has survived a trip to space and back! The aroma is rich and complex as expected: roasted malt, vanilla, toasted oak, chocolate, dark caramel, anise and a hint of bourbon. The body is full and very smooth with a nice, creamy texture. The rich flavor begins with dark chocolate, layered with roasted malt, vanilla, bourbon, toasted oak before finishing with spicy anise, which helps to temper the light sweetness. A light and pleasant warmth greets the drinker at the finish with a lingering, rich dark chocolate character complemented by vanilla and toasted oak. This Imperial Stout is just as rich and complex as billed. Enjoy this beer gently chilled from a snifter glass.