Introduction

An odd and auspicious number marks one of the biggest moments of military history in Nova Scotia. In May of 1945 the German submarine, U-889, officially surrendering to the Canadian Navy in Shelburne Harbour. Boxing Rock, born and brewing in Shelburne has created a beer of equally heroic measure to recognize this moment. U-889 Imperial Stout is dark, rich in smell and flavour and full of secrets. Twice a gold medal winner of brewing awards from the Atlantic and East brewing awards, this stout will fill you with warmth and rock your palette with taste. A quality beer for having your black forest cake or curling up next to a warm fire. Stouts typically have roasted characteristics and coffee flavour, but the U-889 is so much more. Modelled toward mocha, dark chocolate and vanilla accents, this stout brings all of them to the table without stumbling over each other. Serves well at 8°C and if you got it in the spring, keep it until the winter rolls back.

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How it looks

Out of the bottle black as the dead of night calm carbonation, but with a foamy head that balloons out of the glass if you’re not careful. Eventually calms down to a finger of toasty brown.

How it smells

Strong scent of coffee and floral perfume, dark chocolate, toasted malt, easy scent of vanilla bean in the back end. The sweet and fruity fermentation of subtle brandy joins a hint of sandalwood. An incredibly vibrant and complex play on the nose.

How it tastes

Bold flavour of roasted coffee stomps in first, but it’s leavened by the subtle taste of cream, the warm mellow vanilla bean, halting dark chocolate, and roasted malt to round it off. The flavours all play well together and the longer you let it linger on your palette the more impressive it becomes. The body is smooth without being oily or cloying and leaves your mouth feeling fresh. Like the best sip of coffee you’ve ever had.

Recommended food pairing

Brandishing so much coffee and the character of a liqueur, combine this beer with a slice of rich, freshly made black forest cake. Make sure each bite combines cherry, chocolate and cream and let this beer come along for the ride.