BrewDog Paradox Edition 006 Islay Cask (Bottled)

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 7 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 8

Strong aroma is smoky and has a firm rubbery or yeasty underpinning. It pours opaque sable with a thick but not too persistent beige head. Flavor is strong and smoky, rather like beef jerky or barbecue sauce, and has a rubbery undertone, and not much of an alcohol bite considering the ABV. Finish has hints of coffee and nuts, and just a touch of molasses. Texture is silky smooth, but it leaves a tingle in the mouth.

Aroma: 6 | Appearance: 5 | Mouthfeel: 6 | Flavor: 5 | Overall: 6

ark brown to black body with a small tan cap. Aroma is SMOKE!!! And lots of it, wiskey, and rubber are also noticeable. Aroma isn’t that appealing to me. Taste like burnt bacon, so much smoke in the flavor, burnt earth and a touch of alcohol. And I can’t seem to shake that rubber flavor!! Where is this coming from?!?!?! Vanilla shows up in the finish when warm. This was very complex and interesting but I didn’t find as nearly as enjoyable as the batch #007. My marks are way to low, i'll have to revisit this one.

Aroma: 7 | Appearance: 10 | Mouthfeel: 9 | Flavor: 9 | Overall: 9

Is this a rauchbier? Damn close I tell you.
The very first thing you notice about this killer stout is the huge smoke content. A total surprise to me, that's for sure. Poured out a small brown crown with limited retention and spotty lacing on top of a near black beer. The aroma, especially early on is smoke.... lots of it. After considerable warming the smoke is still there but it is much more manageable now and reveals a thick peaty smell that seems one and the same. Combine that with burnt malts, vanilla, chocolate, tobacco and fruity notes and you have one of the most fascinating smelling stouts out there - just let it really warm up a lot so you to can enjoy (mine sat for almost an hour with small, continuous sipping).
The flavor is no slouch either. Similar flavors as the aroma with some whiskey, very very mild alcohol (maybe), soft licorice (I think) and more notable sweetness with the faint chocolate showing up at the end. I almost forgot the hops which round out the finish and are quite noticeable even through the complexity of this killer brew. Even more whiskey now that the smoke / peat has faded leading to a more rounded, better blended taste. Full bodied, very smooth, no hint of a syrupy feel what so ever. Finishes with a blend of flavors and a peaty / smoke bitterness. I have insane breath! How does this match up against the other batches? Really, it is hard to compare as the ones I've had are so different. Never does one really notice the 10%. Although it is impossible to compare, I think this is much more drinkable than AleSmith Speedway Stout. An excellent, exceptional beer. I want much more. Let it sit in your glass!