Basqueland - Le Royale

A Journey Through the Woods Le Royale is a Barleywine aged in maple syrup barrels, blended with an Imperial Stout aged in French oak barrels to enhance its character. This is the eleventh creation in the Barrel Works series, our barrel-aging program launched in 2020 to elevate complexity and explore new paths in brewing. Brewing Process: Le Royale combines two exceptional beers, carefully selected to craft a unique experience. The Barleywine, cold-conditioned in tanks for 2 months and aged in maple syrup barrels for 9 months, delivers a base of caramel, toasted bread, toffee, cereal, and maple syrup aromas. Brewed with six different malts and a prolonged 4-hour boil, the process intensifies caramelization. Fermented at low temperatures with a neutral yeast, it allows the malt character to shine. The Imperial Stout, aged for 1,000 days in French oak barrels, adds depth with notes of chocolate, vanilla, wood, raisins, and licorice. Crafted with eight malts and boiled for two hours, this stout is also fermented at low temperatures with neutral yeast, keeping the malt profile at the forefront while harmonizing with the Barleywine ‘s aromas. The final blend is a Barleywine with a 1/5 Stout addition. The stout perfectly complements the Barleywine ’s flavors and aromas, enhancing the beer’s body without overshadowing the delicate malt base creating a surprising and delightful tasting experience. Tasting Notes: On the nose, intense aromas of caramel, maple syrup, and wood are accompanied by hints of bourbon and toasted bread. On the palate, the beer reveals a complex, silky texture that unfolds gradually. Toffee, chocolate, vanilla, and licorice flavors intertwine, offering a warm and rounded sensation. The robust body of the Barleywine is beautifully balanced by the Stout’s smoothness. Each sip uncovers new layers of flavor, inviting deep exploration.