About This Beer
Lough Gill Trinity Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout 33cl 13.9% is a powerful barrel-aged Irish stout from Lough Gill Brewery in Sligo. Featured in the brewery's October 2026 barrel-aged collection, Trinity combines an imperial oatmeal stout base with maturation in bourbon whiskey barrels.
At 13.9% ABV, Trinity is one of the stronger releases in the collection, bringing together substantial roasted malt character and the influence of American whiskey casks.
Imperial stout is traditionally associated with deep colour, rich roasted flavours and elevated alcohol strength. Its substantial malt foundation can produce characteristics reminiscent of dark chocolate, coffee, toasted grain and caramel.
Trinity builds upon this foundation through the use of oats, creating an imperial oatmeal stout. Oats contribute to the body and texture of beer, often providing a smoother, fuller mouthfeel that complements the intensity of strong roasted malts.
The second defining feature is bourbon barrel ageing.
Bourbon is an American whiskey traditionally matured in new, charred oak barrels. Once emptied, these barrels can be reused by breweries to mature beer, allowing the beer to interact with the wood and characteristics left behind by the whiskey.
Bourbon barrels are commonly associated with vanilla, caramel, toasted oak and warming spice notes. These characteristics make them particularly suitable for ageing imperial stout, where the sweetness and oak influence can complement the bitterness and richness of dark roasted malts.
The precise influence of barrel maturation depends on several factors, including the barrels' previous use, the length of ageing and the character of the beer itself.
Trinity forms part of Lough Gill's October 2026 barrel-aged stout collection, which explores several different cask types and flavour combinations.
For enthusiasts interested in comparing barrel influences, Trinity provides the bourbon expression alongside releases matured in Irish whiskey, Scotch whisky and fortified wine barrels.
Presented in a 33cl can, Trinity is a distinctive addition to the Irish craft beer selection for drinkers who appreciate strong, complex dark beers.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Deep brown to black, characteristic of imperial stout, with the potential for a dark tan head.
Aroma: Roasted malt with potential vanilla, caramel and toasted oak influences associated with bourbon barrel maturation.
Taste: Rich dark chocolate and coffee-like malt characteristics, potentially complemented by bourbon-influenced vanilla, caramel and warming oak.
Mouthfeel: Full-bodied and rounded, with oats contributing to a smooth texture and warming strength consistent with its 13.9% 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, including contemporary hop-forward styles, traditional dark ales and experimental barrel-aged releases.
The brewery has developed a particularly interesting approach to strong dark beer, exploring how different barrel types and maturation techniques can influence imperial stout.
Its October 2026 barrel-aged collection includes beers matured in Irish whiskey, bourbon, Scotch whisky and fortified wine barrels, alongside releases incorporating dessert-inspired ingredients.
Trinity represents the bourbon barrel-aged expression within this collection.
The use of bourbon barrels connects Irish craft brewing with a well-established American whiskey tradition. Bourbon barrels are particularly interesting for strong dark beers because their charred oak interiors can contribute characteristics that complement the roasted malt foundation of imperial stout.
The oatmeal stout base adds another layer, with oats contributing body and a smooth texture that can balance the intensity of the beer.
By exploring these different combinations, Lough Gill provides enthusiasts with opportunities to compare how the choice of barrel and beer style can influence the finished product.
For anyone interested in the more experimental side of Irish brewing, the brewery's barrel-aged collection demonstrates the diversity possible within the stout category.
Discover more beers from independent breweries around the country in our Irish craft beer selection.
Food Pairings
Lough Gill Trinity is particularly well suited to rich, intensely flavoured foods that can complement its roasted malt character and bourbon barrel influence.
Dark chocolate brownies are an excellent starting point. Their dense texture and cocoa richness provide a natural partner for the roasted malt characteristics commonly associated with imperial stout.
Sticky toffee pudding is another appealing choice. Its caramelised sweetness can complement the vanilla and caramel characteristics traditionally associated with bourbon barrels.
Pecan pie is particularly interesting because its toasted nuts and caramelised filling provide a natural connection with the sweet oak and vanilla notes often found in bourbon barrel-aged beers.
For a savoury pairing, consider slow-braised beef, beef short ribs or a rich beef stew. These dishes have sufficient depth to stand alongside a substantial barrel-aged stout.
Mature cheddar or blue cheese can also provide an interesting contrast, with their saltiness helping to balance the richness of a strong dark beer.
Serve Trinity at approximately 12–14°C in a tulip glass or snifter. Allowing the beer to warm gradually can help reveal more of its aromatic complexity.
Try More Like This
If you enjoy Lough Gill Trinity, explore our Stout & Porter collection for more imperial stouts, oatmeal stouts and other rich, barrel-aged dark beers.
For more releases from independent breweries around Ireland, browse our Irish craft beer selection.
You can also discover our complete Craft Beer & Craft Cider range, featuring traditional styles, limited editions 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.