About This Beer
Wicklow Wolf The Last Wolf Barrel Aged Chocolate & Coconut Imperial Stout 44cl 12.5% is a rich, full-bodied Irish craft beer released as Endangered Species No. 74.
Inspired by the famous combination of chocolate and coconut, The Last Wolf brings together rich chocolate, mellow coconut and deep roasted malt in a powerful barrel-aged Imperial Stout.
At 12.5% ABV, this is a strong, indulgent beer designed for customers who appreciate complex dark beers and experimental brewing.
Explore more rich and flavourful beers in our stout and porter collection.
The Last Wolf takes its inspiration from the classic chocolate and coconut confectionery combination, bringing those familiar flavours into a full-bodied Imperial Stout.
The brewery describes a beer featuring rich chocolate, mellow coconut and deep roasted malt.
Barrel ageing adds another dimension to the recipe, although the brewery's supplied information does not identify the specific barrel type or maturation period.
The result is a distinctive addition to Wicklow Wolf's Endangered Species series, combining a dessert-inspired flavour profile with a tribute to Ireland's lost wolves.
Tasting Notes
Wicklow Wolf The Last Wolf is described by the brewery as a full-bodied Imperial Stout with rich chocolate, mellow coconut and deep roasted malt character.
Appearance: Dark Imperial Stout; exact colour and head characteristics not specified.
Aroma: Chocolate, coconut and roasted malt are the principal flavour themes.
Flavour: Rich chocolate, mellow coconut and deep roasted malt.
Body: Full-bodied.
Barrel Influence: Barrel-aged, with the specific barrel type not disclosed.
Finish: The brewery does not specify a separate finish description.
ABV: 12.5%.
The beer's defining characteristic is the combination of chocolate and coconut.
Rich chocolate provides an indulgent foundation, while mellow coconut contributes a contrasting flavour.
Deep roasted malt adds the darker character associated with Imperial Stout, helping balance the dessert-inspired ingredients.
At 12.5% ABV, The Last Wolf is a substantial beer that lends itself to slower enjoyment.
The barrel-ageing process provides an additional element of complexity, although the precise flavours contributed by the barrel have not been specified.
About Wicklow Wolf Brewing Company
Wicklow Wolf Brewing Company is an independent Irish craft brewery based in County Wicklow.
Founded in 2014, the brewery produces a wide range of beers, from familiar core releases to experimental and speciality styles.
Wicklow Wolf is particularly associated with modern hop-forward brewing, but its portfolio also includes darker beers and more adventurous releases.
The brewery places a strong emphasis on sustainability and its connection to the natural environment.
Its name reflects the history of wolves in Ireland and the landscapes of County Wicklow.
Wicklow Wolf also operates its own hop farm, supporting its interest in ingredients, biodiversity and environmentally conscious brewing.
The brewery's mission is to create exceptional beers with passion and without compromise, while brewing in a sustainable way.
The Last Wolf reflects this identity through both its experimental recipe and its tribute to Ireland's natural history.
The Endangered Species Series
The Last Wolf is Endangered Species No. 74 in Wicklow Wolf's experimental beer series.
The Endangered Species range allows the brewery to explore different beer styles, ingredients and brewing techniques beyond its established core range.
These releases provide an opportunity to experiment with unusual flavour combinations and create beers with distinctive identities.
The Last Wolf represents a particularly indulgent direction for the series.
Rather than focusing on hop-forward IPA flavours, this release explores the richness of a barrel-aged Imperial Stout.
Chocolate, coconut and roasted malt form the foundation of the beer, creating a flavour profile inspired by a familiar confectionery combination.
Its 12.5% ABV also makes it a particularly strong release within the range.
For customers who enjoy discovering experimental Irish craft beers, the Endangered Species series offers an opportunity to explore Wicklow Wolf's brewing creativity.
The Story Behind The Last Wolf
The Last Wolf takes its name from Ireland's lost wolf population.
For centuries, wolves lived throughout Ireland's forests, mountains and wild landscapes.
They were once a significant part of the country's wildlife.
Over time, hunting and changes to the landscape contributed to their disappearance.
Wolves eventually became extinct in Ireland, leaving behind a legacy preserved in folklore, history and place names.
Wicklow Wolf draws on this history for the identity of The Last Wolf.
The brewery describes the beer as a tribute to Ireland's wolves, which once carried a bounty and were hunted until their numbers dwindled.
Although wolves no longer roam Ireland's forests and mountains, their presence remains part of the country's cultural and natural heritage.
The Last Wolf celebrates that memory.
The beer's name also connects naturally with Wicklow Wolf Brewing Company's wider identity, which takes inspiration from the natural world.
What Is a Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout?
Imperial Stout is a strong, dark beer style known for its substantial malt character, high alcohol strength and complex flavours.
Traditional examples often feature roasted grain, dark chocolate, coffee and caramel-like characteristics.
Modern interpretations frequently explore additional ingredients and barrel ageing.
Barrel ageing involves maturing beer in wooden vessels, allowing it to interact with the barrel over time.
Depending on the wood, previous barrel contents and maturation conditions, the process can introduce additional aromas and flavours.
Common examples include Imperial Stouts aged in bourbon, whiskey or other spirit barrels.
However, the specific barrel used for The Last Wolf has not been identified in the supplied brewery description.
The confirmed information is that this beer is barrel-aged.
At 12.5% ABV, The Last Wolf is firmly within the stronger end of the Imperial Stout category.
Its substantial strength and full body provide a foundation for the chocolate, coconut and roasted malt flavours.
Chocolate and Coconut in Imperial Stout
Chocolate and coconut are a familiar combination in confectionery and desserts.
In beer, these flavours can work particularly well with the dark malt character of an Imperial Stout.
Chocolate flavours complement the roasted grain notes commonly associated with strong stouts.
Coconut can contribute a softer, sweeter-tasting contrast to the darker malt flavours.
Together, they create a dessert-inspired profile that can be rich without relying exclusively on sweetness.
Wicklow Wolf describes The Last Wolf as featuring rich chocolate and mellow coconut.
These flavours are supported by deep roasted malt, creating a combination of indulgent and traditional stout characteristics.
The brewery's description does not specify the exact form of chocolate or coconut used in the recipe.
It is therefore best understood through its confirmed flavour profile rather than assumptions about particular ingredients or additions.
Food Pairings
The rich chocolate, mellow coconut and roasted malt character of The Last Wolf makes it particularly suitable for pairing with desserts and strongly flavoured foods.
Dark Chocolate Brownies
The rich chocolate flavours of a brownie complement the beer's chocolate character.
Chocolate and Coconut Cake
A chocolate and coconut cake provides a natural pairing, echoing the two principal flavours in the beer.
Chocolate Truffles
Dark chocolate truffles offer an indulgent accompaniment to the beer's roasted malt and chocolate notes.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Vanilla ice cream provides a cool, creamy contrast to the richness of the Imperial Stout.
Mature Cheddar
Strong mature Cheddar offers a savoury alternative, contrasting with the beer's dessert-inspired character.
Blue Cheese
The saltiness and intensity of blue cheese can create an interesting pairing with a strong, full-bodied stout.
Serving Suggestions
Wicklow Wolf The Last Wolf is best enjoyed at a temperature that allows its rich flavours to develop.
A suggested serving temperature of approximately 10–13°C is a useful starting point for a strong, barrel-aged Imperial Stout.
Serve in a tulip, snifter or stemmed beer glass to help concentrate the aromas.
Allow the beer to warm gradually as you drink.
This can help reveal additional flavour nuances associated with its chocolate, coconut and roasted malt character.
At 12.5% ABV, The Last Wolf is a strong beer that is particularly suited to slow enjoyment.
It can also be shared as part of a tasting session.
Store in a cool, dark location away from direct sunlight and excessive temperature changes.
Although some strong barrel-aged Imperial Stouts can develop with careful ageing, the brewery has not specified the ideal cellaring potential for this release.
Try More Like This
If you enjoy Wicklow Wolf The Last Wolf, there are several other dark beer styles worth exploring.
Chocolate Imperial Stouts offer similarly rich roasted malt and chocolate flavours.
Coconut stouts provide a distinctive combination of tropical coconut character and dark malt richness.
Barrel-aged Imperial Stouts introduce additional complexity through maturation in wooden vessels.
Pastry stouts explore dessert-inspired flavour combinations, often featuring chocolate, vanilla, coffee or coconut.
Traditional Imperial Stouts provide a more malt-focused experience, emphasising roasted grain, coffee and dark chocolate.
Browse our stout and porter collection for more dark beers.
You can also explore our wider craft beer collection for independent Irish beers and experimental releases.
Wicklow Wolf The Last Wolf Barrel Aged Chocolate & Coconut Imperial Stout 44cl 12.5% is an indulgent addition to the brewery's Endangered Species series.
Combining rich chocolate, mellow coconut and deep roasted malt, this full-bodied Imperial Stout celebrates both adventurous brewing and the memory of Ireland's lost wolves.
Released as Endangered Species No. 74, The Last Wolf offers a distinctive experience for customers who enjoy strong, dark and experimental craft beers.
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.