Brewdog Rattle & Rum

Brewdog’s Rattle & Rum is a bold and indulgent limited-edition beer that blends the world of craft ale with rum barrel ageing — and it absolutely delivers on its promise. This is the kind of beer that makes you stop mid-sip and reassess what a craft beer can be.

Brewed as an imperial stout and conditioned in rum barrels, Rattle & Rum pours a deep, near-black with a thin tan head. The aroma is an intoxicating mix of dark rum, vanilla, coconut, and molasses — think rum cake baked by someone who really loves beer. On the palate, it’s thick and luscious, with notes of dark chocolate, toffee, dried fruit, and a warming alcoholic heat from the rum cask influence.

This one was really, really nice — as the first impression after opening confirms. It’s the sort of beer you savour slowly rather than knock back, ideally on a cold evening alongside a good film or a slice of something rich and chocolatey. An absolute treat from Brewdog’s more adventurous end of the spectrum.