Pirate Life has announced its latest collaboration with St. Agnes Distillery, an Imperial Stout aged in brandy barrels that has been two years in the making.
The second collaborative project between the two South Australian brands, Pirate Life x St. Agnes Distillery Brandy Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout was initially launched at a sold-out Christmas in July party at Pirate Life Port Adelaide. The beer will be available for purchase from Adelaide Beer & BBQ Festival, Pirate Life Brewing Port Adelaide, and select retailers.
Pirate Life co-founder Jack Cameron enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate once again with St. Agnes Distillery.
“We’re stoked to finally be able to share this one. Collaborating with an iconic South Australian brand, and Australia’s oldest continually run craft distillery, is an absolute privilege and we couldn’t be happier with how the product has turned out. We pride ourselves on good quality beer and what the team has been able to deliver here is unreal,” he said.
Aged for eight months in ex-brandy barrels from St. Agnes, tasting notes describe aromas of chocolate ganache, and a palate of roasted nuts, chocolate, and subtle spice from the malt bill, paired with oak and brandy elements from the cask. With an ABV of 12.2 per cent, tasting notes also mention a full and luxurious mouthfeel.
Pirate Life Brewer Jake Haysman relished the opportunity to work with the ex-brandy casks during the brewing process.
“The brandy casks have added layers of complexity to our stout, rewarding the drinker with a truly unique experience. This has been a fantastic opportunity to work with likeminded people and explore new flavours and techniques,” he said.
Richard Angove, co-managing director of St. Agnes Distillery, said that the Imperial Stout sets a new standard for Australian stouts.
“This will be our second collaboration with Pirate Life, both of which have yielded spectacular beers. The St. Agnes Distillery is 99 years old this year. Each barrel has been used to age our brandy over many years and captures the essence of the distillery. We were excited to send our historic barrels to Pirate Life for use in the maturation of the St. Agnes Distillery x Pirate Life Stout,” he said.
“We feel it was a catalyst for Pirate Life to raise the bar on stout aromatics and flavour, crafting an iconic South Australian beer that mixes heritage and tradition with innovation and style. We are extremely passionate about the St. Agnes Distillery x Pirate Life partnership, and the collaborations that two South Australian beverage icons have been able to craft together.”