About This Beer
Lough Gill Cromlech Tiramisu Barrel Aged Imperial Stout 33cl 12.7% is a dessert-inspired Irish imperial stout from Lough Gill Brewery in Sligo. Featured in the brewery's October 2026 barrel-aged stout collection, Cromlech combines the intensity of a strong dark beer with the inspiration of tiramisu, one of Italy's best-known desserts.
Tiramisu traditionally brings together coffee, cocoa, mascarpone and delicate sponge cake. Its combination of roasted, creamy and sweet flavours makes it an interesting inspiration for imperial stout, a beer style already known for its deep malt character and considerable strength.
Imperial stouts are typically brewed with a substantial malt bill, creating the potential for flavours associated with dark chocolate, roasted coffee, caramel and toasted grain. Dessert-inspired interpretations build upon this foundation, using familiar culinary flavour combinations to create something more indulgent.
Cromlech takes its inspiration from tiramisu while also incorporating barrel ageing. The brewery's October 2026 release information identifies the beer as a Tiramisu Barrel Aged Imperial Stout, although it does not specify the particular barrel type or additional ingredients used to create its dessert character.
At 12.7% ABV, Cromlech sits firmly within the stronger end of the Stout & Porter category. Its strength and dessert inspiration make it particularly suitable for slow sipping rather than casual drinking.
The 33cl can provides a convenient format for a tasting session, especially alongside other releases from Lough Gill's October 2026 barrel-aged stout collection.
For anyone interested in exploring the more experimental side of Irish craft beer, Cromlech represents an interesting combination of traditional imperial stout brewing, barrel ageing and dessert-inspired creativity.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Expected to pour very dark brown to black, typical of an imperial stout.
Aroma: A tiramisu-inspired profile suggests coffee and cocoa, supported by the roasted malt character associated with imperial stout.
Taste: The dessert concept suggests coffee, chocolate and sweet malt characteristics, potentially complemented by additional complexity from barrel ageing.
Mouthfeel: Expected to be full-bodied and substantial, with a warming character consistent with its 12.7% ABV.
About the Brewery
Lough Gill Brewery is an independent Irish craft brewery based in Sligo, in the northwest of Ireland. Named after nearby Lough Gill, the brewery produces a diverse selection of beers, ranging from approachable modern styles to stronger and more experimental releases.
The brewery has become particularly associated with ambitious dark beers, including imperial stouts and barrel-aged creations that explore different flavour combinations and maturation techniques.
Its October 2026 barrel-aged stout collection demonstrates this approach through a range of distinctive releases. Some focus on the influence of particular barrels, including whiskey and fortified wine casks, while others explore dessert-inspired flavours.
Cromlech belongs to the latter group, drawing inspiration from the coffee, cocoa and creamy richness traditionally associated with tiramisu.
The use of barrel ageing provides another point of interest. Ageing strong beer in previously used barrels can introduce additional complexity, although the precise result depends on the barrel, the beer and the maturation process.
Lough Gill's willingness to experiment with these techniques makes its stronger releases particularly interesting for craft beer enthusiasts who enjoy exploring unusual interpretations of established styles.
Discover more independent breweries and limited releases in our Irish craft beer selection.
Food Pairings
Lough Gill Cromlech Tiramisu Barrel Aged Imperial Stout is particularly well suited to dessert pairings, given its inspiration from the classic Italian coffee and cocoa dessert.
Tiramisu itself is an obvious starting point. The dessert's coffee-soaked sponge, mascarpone and cocoa offer a natural comparison with the beer's intended flavour theme.
Dark chocolate desserts are another appealing option. Try a rich chocolate mousse, flourless chocolate cake or chocolate truffles, where the cocoa can complement the roasted malt character commonly associated with imperial stout.
Coffee-based desserts, including espresso brownies or coffee cheesecake, are also worth considering. Their roasted coffee character works naturally alongside the flavours suggested by the tiramisu concept.
For a contrasting savoury pairing, mature blue cheese can provide an interesting balance. Its saltiness and intensity offer a counterpoint to the richness of a strong dessert-inspired stout.
Serve Cromlech at approximately 12–14°C in a tulip glass or snifter. Allowing the beer to warm gradually can help reveal more of its character.
Try More Like This
If you enjoy Lough Gill Cromlech, explore our Stout & Porter collection for more dark beers, including imperial stouts, pastry stouts and other rich, malt-forward styles.
For more independent Irish breweries, browse our Irish craft beer selection.
You can also discover the complete Craft Beer & Craft Cider range, featuring traditional beer styles, limited releases and experimental beers from Ireland and around the world.
Shop the best of craft beer Ireland and from around the world online with TheCru.ie or in our Dublin craft beer store, Carry Out Tyrrelstown in Dublin 15.