The Bruery Grey Monday (2021)

The Bruery Grey Monday (2021) is a powerhouse barrel-aged imperial stout from The Bruery in California. Built on the iconic base recipe, this edition ages in bourbon barrels to develop a rich, multi-layered profile. Expect velvet-smooth texture with deep roasted malts, dark chocolate, and espresso, enriched by caramel and vanilla with subtle oak notes and a warming finish. At roughly 15% ABV, it offers a contemplative tasting experience that evolves over time, making it a standout for winter evenings and serious stout enthusiasts who collect limited editions.

Serving tips

• 🍺 Aromatic depth and texture: Bourbon barrels amplify espresso and cacao, delivering a velvety mouthfeel and a warm, lingering finish.
• 🫙 Aging-friendly complexity: The beer gains vanilla, caramel, and oak tones that harmonize with its roasted backbone.
• 🌡️ Tempered serving for balance: Moderate chill helps preserve sweetness and reduces ethanol bite while keeping the silky finish.

Food Pairing

• 🍽️ Dark chocolate desserts and coffee-forward pastries: The beer’s cocoa and espresso notes pair deeply, balancing bitterness with vanilla warmth.
• 🧀 Aged Gouda and full-flavored cheeses: Salt and umami lift the vanilla and bourbon tannins for a harmonious contrast.
• 🍨 Vanilla caramel ice cream and rich desserts: The sweetness echoes the beer’s caramel, smoothing the alcohol warmth.