Hades: An Imperial Braggot of Mythic Proportions

Step into the Underworld with Hades, a 16% ABV Imperial Braggot as dark and enigmatic as the god himself. This isn't just a drink; it's a carefully crafted journey into a realm of roasted malts, honeyed sweetness, and smoky depths, fortified with Bourbon and patiently aged in oak. It's a beverage that demands to be savored, contemplated, and experienced fully.

Inspired by Hades, the often-misunderstood ruler of the Underworld, we've crafted a braggot that embodies both his power and his inherent complexity. Hades is not a figure of evil, but rather a stern and unyielding guardian, a collector of souls, a king in a kingdom shrouded in mystery. Our braggot pays homage to this rich tapestry of myth.

The very foundation of Hades is a blend of five carefully selected grains, each chosen to represent a facet of the Underworld:

• Chocolate Malt: Provides the deep, rich chocolate notes, symbolizing the fertile earth – the beginning and end of all life.

• Swaen Coffee Malt: Lends an intense coffee character, a jolt of awareness in the darkness.

• Peated Malt: Imparts the unmistakable smoky aroma of peat, conjuring images of the River Styx, the boundary between worlds.

• Caramel Malt: Offers a touch of sweetness, a lingering memory of life's pleasures.

• Oak Smoked Malt: Adds another layer of smoke, this time with a woody character, reminiscent of ancient forests bordering the Underworld.

To this robust grain bill, we introduce raw, unfiltered honey from local Arizona bees. This honey, bursting with the essence of desert wildflowers, is our nod to Persephone, Hades' queen. Her presence adds a vibrant, floral sweetness, a crucial counterpoint to the prevailing darkness, representing the cyclical nature of life and death.

The creation of Hades is a deliberate process. A two-month fermentation with champagne yeast allows the myriad flavors to meld and deepen, a period of quiet transformation. This is followed by three months of aging in oak, where the braggot gains notes of vanilla and subtle tannins, adding to its overall smoothness and complexity. Finally, to truly elevate it to the realm of the gods, we fortify Hades with a carefully selected Bourbon, adding warmth and a lingering intensity.

Pouring Hades is like unveiling a secret. The liquid is a deep, opaque black, reminiscent of a starless night. The aroma rises to greet you: intense dark chocolate and roasted coffee, followed by waves of smoke – both the earthy peat and the sweeter, woodier oak. Beneath this, subtle hints of vanilla and dark fruit from the Bourbon emerge, intertwined with the delicate floral notes of the honey.

The first sip is an experience. The braggot coats your palate with a velvety richness. Dark chocolate and espresso dominate, but they are beautifully balanced by the subtle sweetness of the honey. The smoky character is prominent, yet interwoven seamlessly with the other flavors. A touch of black pepper adds a subtle bite, a spark of intrigue. The Bourbon provides a comforting warmth that spreads through you, a lingering heat that remains long after you swallow.

Tasting Notes: Dark chocolate, espresso, black pepper, oak, vanilla, Smoke and Honey.

Hades is best savored slowly, allowing its complexity to unfold. Pair it with rich, dark desserts like chocolate cake or a mousse, strong cheeses such as aged cheddar or smoked gouda, or savory dishes like grilled meats. Or, perhaps best of all, enjoy it on its own, as a meditation on the balance of darkness and light, sweetness and smoke – a reflection of the god himself.