Reckless Brewing, known for its signature stout that masterfully balances roasted bitterness with citrus hoppiness, has ventured into new territory with two limited-release dark beers. These new creations invite drinkers to explore the complex duality of dark beers, evoking the theme of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
Much like the duality explored in Stevenson’s Gothic novella, the two beers offer a fascinating contrast in flavor profiles. The first, Coffee Stout, is the more traditional of the two and can be likened to Dr. Henry Jekyll. This stout embraces classic dark beer flavors—rich malt and roasted barley—while introducing an enhanced depth from Black Crow Coffee, a nearby roaster. The result is a robust brew with coffee and smooth cacao notes, reminiscent of cold-brewed coffee in a sleek tin. The coffee serves to complement, not overshadow, the inherent qualities of the dark malt, creating a rich, harmonious experience.
The second release, NZ Dark Lager, presents the more rebellious side of dark beer, akin to Edward Hyde. This beer allows hops, typically subdued in dark styles, to take center stage. Reckless Brewing has chosen to feature the bold citrus, nutty, and cola flavors of hops, letting the usual restraint of dark beer give way to a more dynamic brew. Despite its unleashed nature, the beer maintains balance, with underlying lager characteristics and a soft coffee finish that rounds out its bold profile.
These two beers—each a reflection of the complex nature of dark beer—demonstrate Reckless Brewing’s ability to innovate within the genre while staying true to its roots. As Mick Wüst aptly notes, “Dark beer is not truly one, but truly two,” capturing the essence of both creations.
A nod to history is also woven into the story, as Black Crow Coffee is located just half a mile from Reckless Brewing, with a brief journey passing by The Victoria Hotel, which opened in 1876—a decade before the publication of Stevenson’s iconic work.
Reckless Brewing’s new dark beer releases provide an intriguing exploration of the complexities and contrasts that can be found within the realm of dark brews.
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