Western Australia’s Nail Brewing has just released a limited-edition version of it’s award-winning Clout Stout, a 10.6 per cent Imperial Stout that the brewer describes as brewed for the beer connoisseur.

“It is dark in colour, rich in malt flavour and balanced with assertive hop character around 63 IBUs,” Nail Brewer John Stallwood said.

“Clout Stout is full bodied and provides a mouthful from just one sip.”

Clout Stout was brewed to celebrate 10 years for Nail Brewing Australia. The Imperial Stout is based on the brewer’s multi-award winning Nail Stout which has won numerous national awards, as well as being named best WA beer in 2008.

Described as “a super-charged Nail Stout” the Imperial version is “brewed with extra everything” and uses six different malts: pale, oatmeal, crystal, black, chocolate and roasted barley.

The brewer said only the first runnings were used to provide the most intense concentration of flavour.

“In fact, the discarded second runnings would have produced an 8% beer – 25% stronger than Nail Stout,” John said.

The beer has been brewed for aging and was aged in the bottle for over 5 months prior to release.

“When it was just 7 weeks old it won silver at International Brewing Championships in the UK and silver at Perth Royal Beer Show,” John said.

John said while he intends to brew Clout Stout annually, the evolution of the beer is a work in progress.

“I will use this brew to design future Clout brews but because it’s designed for aging, it probably won’t be until the 2012 batch that I can really use what I have learned on the 2010 batch.

“With the beer at 63 IBUs I’ll probably lift it a little. The low carbonation fits the style and is good for aging, but I may lift it a little so that it presents a little better in the glass.”

“I have really enjoyed producing this beer and have learned a lot.”

Clout Stout comes in a 750ml champagne bottle with a pewter-looking front label and numbered back label. Each bottle comes in its own box.

The brewery’s most popular beer is Nail Ale which has won back-to-back Gold medals at the Australian International Beer Awards. No other Australian Pale Ale has won a gold in the last two years.

Brewer’s tasting notes:

Clout Stout is a Russian Imperial Stout brewed for the beer connoisseur with the patience to age their beer. Poured from the bottle it is black and thick, initially sweet and full bodied before developing into a smooth, bittersweet finish. A 10.6% ABV gives Clout Stout huge complexity and depth.

Clout Stout is best served at cool cellar temperature (12C) or refrigerated then allowed to warm for 20-30 minutes before pouring. Serve in your best stemmed glassware, such as a Belgian chalice or an oversized wine glass. Pour without tilting glass to produce a modest head. Sip and savour with 2 or 3 close friends.

Available at:http://www.internationalbeershop.com.au/products.asp?product_id=1720

WA:

International Beer Shop – West Leederville
Cellarbrations Carlisle – Carlisle
Paddington Ale House – Mt Hawthorn
Freo Doctor – Fremantle
Connolly Liquor Barons – Connolly
Witchy Liquor – Margaret River
Greenmount Liquor – Greenmount

Victoria:Purvis Cellars – Surrey Hills

QLD:Nectar Beer & Wine Specialists – West End

NSW:Platinum Liquor – North Strathfield and Bellevue Hill