Hook Norton Brewery has launched a Limited Edition Barrel Aged Double Stout, a bold and indulgent creation brewed from an authentic 19th-century recipe and matured to perfection.
Crafted at 8% ABV, the jet-black stout has been barrel aged for 18 months in oak, developing a remarkable depth of character that showcases the best of traditional English stout brewing.
The result is a rich, smooth, and complex beer, offering a distinctive harmony of chocolate, coffee, and caramel, with a rich aroma of sweet chocolate, espresso coffee, herbal hops, and cracker-like double dark malt. Extended oak maturation adds further layers of warmth and refinement.
Andy Thomas, Head of Production at Hook Norton Brewery, said:
“Barrel ageing is all about patience and respect for the beer. Over 18 months, the stout slowly draws character from the oak—soft vanilla notes, gentle tannins and that deep, warming complexity you simply can’t rush.
“This release captures the best of both worlds: our 19th-century brewing tradition and the time-honoured craft of maturation. We’re incredibly proud of the final beer.”
Tasting notes highlight its dark ebony appearance, roasted coffee and rich sweet chocolate aroma, with a taste of dry burnt oak.
A fine example of a traditional English stout, this exclusive edition was available in limited quantities in single 750ml bottles directly from Hook Norton Brewery, but it has now sold out. Rumour has it that the brewery’s Twelve Days Porter may be next for barrel ageing, giving fans something to look forward to.
Hook Norton Brewery is a historic, family-owned brewery based in the village of Hook Norton in Oxfordshire, England. Established in 1849, it is one of the few remaining traditional breweries in the UK that still uses steam-driven equipment and traditional brewing methods, including oak cask maturation.
The brewery produces a wide range of real ales and stouts, crafted with traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients. It combines heritage techniques — like 19th-century recipes and barrel ageing — with modern brewing expertise, making it a notable example of traditional English brewing culture.
In addition to its beers, Hook Norton Brewery is also a tourist attraction, offering brewery tours, tastings, and events, giving visitors a chance to see its historic machinery in action and learn about the craft of brewing.
