Lough Gill North Star Barrel Aged Cinnamon Nutmeg Vanilla Cocoa Imperial Stout 33cl 12.9% is a powerful Irish imperial stout from Lough Gill Brewery in Sligo. Featured in the brewery's October 2026 barrel-aged stout collection, North Star brings together barrel ageing and four distinctive flavour ingredients: cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and cocoa.
Imperial stout is a beer style known for its substantial malt character, deep colour and elevated alcohol strength. Its roasted grain flavours provide a natural foundation for additions associated with chocolate, coffee, caramel and warming spices.
North Star builds upon that foundation with a combination inspired by traditional baking and winter desserts.
Cinnamon contributes a recognisable sweet-spice character, while nutmeg offers a more aromatic, warming quality. Vanilla introduces a softer flavour that can complement the richer elements of imperial stout, and cocoa reinforces the chocolate characteristics associated with roasted malt.
Together, these ingredients create a flavour concept reminiscent of spiced chocolate desserts, rich cakes and other seasonal treats.
The beer is also barrel aged, adding another layer to its production. Barrel maturation can influence the flavour and texture of a strong stout, although the brewery's October 2026 pre-order information does not identify the specific barrel type used for North Star.
At 12.9% ABV, this is a substantial example of Irish craft beer, intended for slower drinking and appreciation rather than everyday refreshment.
North Star is presented in a 33cl can, making it a convenient format for exploring a high-strength imperial stout without committing to a larger bottle.
For enthusiasts of dessert-inspired beers, it offers a distinctive combination of barrel ageing, roasted malt and warming spice.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Deep brown to black, characteristic of imperial stout, with a dark tan head.
Aroma: Cinnamon and nutmeg provide warming spice character, accompanied by vanilla, cocoa and roasted malt.
Taste: Rich chocolate and roasted malt flavours meet cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla, creating a dessert-inspired profile with additional complexity from barrel ageing.
Mouthfeel: Full-bodied and substantial, with a rich texture and warming alcohol character consistent with its 12.9% 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 varied range of beers, from modern hop-forward styles to experimental strong ales and barrel-aged imperial stouts.
The brewery has developed a particularly interesting range of dark beers, exploring how different ingredients, barrel types and maturation techniques can influence the character of imperial stout.
Its October 2026 barrel-aged stout collection demonstrates this approach through several distinct releases, each highlighting a different combination of barrel influence and flavour.
North Star takes a dessert-inspired direction, combining cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and cocoa with a strong imperial stout base.
This approach reflects a broader trend within modern craft brewing, where traditional beer styles are used as foundations for exploring flavours associated with food, desserts and other drinks.
Imperial stout is especially suited to this experimentation because its rich malt character and substantial body can accommodate stronger flavour additions.
For anyone interested in the more creative side of Ireland's brewing scene, Lough Gill's barrel-aged releases provide an opportunity to explore beers that go beyond conventional interpretations of stout.
Discover more beers from independent Irish breweries in our Irish craft beer collection.
Food Pairings
Lough Gill North Star is particularly well suited to desserts that feature chocolate, vanilla and warming spices.
Chocolate brownies are an excellent starting point. Their rich cocoa flavour complements the beer's chocolate-led character, while cinnamon and nutmeg introduce an additional layer of spice.
Spiced chocolate cake is another natural pairing, particularly when prepared with cinnamon or a touch of nutmeg. The shared flavours allow the beer and dessert to complement one another without either dominating.
Vanilla cheesecake provides an interesting contrast. Its creamy texture and gentle sweetness can balance the roasted malt character of imperial stout, while the vanilla creates a connection with the beer's ingredients.
For something more seasonal, try gingerbread, spiced biscuits or a rich Christmas pudding. The warming spice combination makes North Star particularly suitable for desserts traditionally enjoyed during autumn and winter.
Mature blue cheese is also worth considering for a savoury pairing, offering a salty contrast to the beer's dessert-inspired ingredients.
Serve North Star at approximately 12–14°C in a tulip glass or snifter, allowing it to warm gradually as you drink.
Try More Like This
If you enjoy Lough Gill North Star, explore our Stout & Porter collection for more imperial stouts, pastry stouts and other rich, dark beers.
For more releases from independent breweries around the country, 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.