Extending their annual tradition of collaboration, Brooklyn Brewery and Four Roses Distillery have announced the 2023 edition of Brooklyn Black Ops.
Clocking in at 12% ABV, this is the fifth iteration of this yearly release.
This year is particularly poignant, the companies say, marking the 35th anniversary of Brooklyn Brewery’s flagship beer and the 135th anniversary of Four Roses. To honor the occasion, the Black Ops has a refreshed design, inspired by Four Roses’ global brand update, their first in nearly two decades.
A collaboration that began in 2019, the partnership between Brooklyn Brewery and Four Roses continues thanks to the camaraderie between Brooklyn Brewery Brewmaster Garrett Oliver,and Four Roses COO Ryan Ashley. The latest Black Ops — a Russian Imperial Stout — matured for nine months in Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon casks chosen by Four Roses Master Distiller Brent Elliott.
The 2023 Black Ops edition has a profile of cocoa nib and milk chocolate, according to brewery notes, with a vanilla-forward oak presence. Tasting this alongside Four Roses Small Batch highlights the shared flavor profiles. In addition to the bourbon and beer pairing, the 2023 Black Ops goes well with dark chocolate ganache, buttery pastries, strong aged cheese and also as a Black Ops Float, with vanilla ice cream, the companies report.
“Black Ops is a modern classic with its own personality: brisk, light on its feet, and complex without being heavy,” says Oliver. “The Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon barrels take this beer where no other barrels could carry it, and I’m very proud of working with Brent and Four Roses’ brilliant team.”
This limited edition 2023 Brooklyn Black Ops, with its new can design, will be available in 16-oz. four-packs for a suggested retail price of $19.99 per pack. It rolls out to wherever Brooklyn Brewery products are sold, as well as the Four Roses Distillery visitor center located in Lawrenceburg, KY.
