Driftwood Spars Brewery has released what it believes to be highest ABV beer ever brewed for sale in Cornwall.
Small-batch brew Hygge is intended to be enjoyed instead of wine or port, and goes perfectly with a cheeseboard, says head brewer Mike Mason. The Cognac and marshmallow imperial stout comes in at 14.4% ABV.
“I didn’t set out to brew a really high-ABV beer just for the sake of it, but the flavours just called for it,” he said. “When it was ready I did some research and I think it’s the highest ABV beer ever made by a brewery here in Cornwall, although I’m sure someone out there will correct me!”
Imperial stouts are often around 11% ABV. Sweet malts have to be perfectly balanced with bitter hops in a rich and complex style that has many layers of flavour.
‘We’re recommending sharing a bottle’
Mike and brewery assistant Tim have a pilot brew kit at their disposal, with the 70-litre capacity set-up allowing them to experiment and push the boundaries with beers like Hygge.
Mike said: “With its marshmallow silkiness and Cognac kick, Hygge was designed to be a luxury version of an imperial stout and, like all good strong beers, the flavour benefits from the higher ABV.”
Louise Treseder, brewery owner and landlady of The Driftwood Spars, said: “Here at the pub, we’re recommending sharing a bottle and sipping it like a wine or port. Our guests are enjoying it with our West Country cheeseboards, with Cornish Smuggler, Yarg, and Brie amongst others.”
Hygge is bottle conditioned and sold in 330ml bottles. Just 100 bottles were produced and are now available to buy in the brewery shop, online, and in selected independent bottle shops across Cornwall.
