Toppling Goliath Eighty Twenty Coming To 16-oz Cans

Toppling Goliath Eighty Twenty stout

Toppling Goliath Brewing is bringing a new stout to cans, and this one takes an interesting approach to blending dark beer. Toppling Goliath Eighty Twenty combines an Irish-style stout with barrel-aged imperial stout, using an 80/20 ratio to create a beer that promises plenty of roasted character without the heavy alcohol content normally associated with barrel-aged imperial stouts.

The new Toppling Goliath Eighty Twenty stout will arrive in 16-ounce cans at 6% ABV. That’s a pretty approachable strength for a beer that includes a portion of barrel-aged imperial stout, and the blend gives the brewery a chance to bring together two different styles without letting either one completely take over.

The name Eighty Twenty comes directly from the recipe. Eighty percent of the blend is smooth Irish stout, while the remaining 20 percent is barrel-aged imperial stout. That smaller portion is where the beer gets some additional depth, including the darker chocolate, roasted coffee, vanilla and oak character described on the can.

It’s an interesting combination. Irish stout already brings plenty of roasted malt flavor, a smooth body and a familiar dark beer character, while barrel-aged imperial stout can add a much bigger flavor profile, depending on the barrels and the beer used in the blend.

Here, the goal is clearly balance.

The can describes Eighty Twenty as silky, dark and deceptively drinkable, with a layered expression of dark chocolate, roasted coffee and toasted malt, wrapped in subtle notes of vanilla and charred oak. Those are familiar stout flavors, but the blend should give them a different character than a traditional Irish stout on its own.

The barrel-aged imperial stout component is only 20 percent of the recipe, so it should contribute flavor without overwhelming the base beer. That is an important distinction, especially for anyone who enjoys barrel-aged stout but doesn’t always want a massive imperial stout that drinks like a dessert.

A lower ABV doesn’t necessarily mean a lighter flavor. In this case, Eighty Twenty is built around roasted malt, dark chocolate and coffee, with the barrel character adding another layer rather than becoming the entire point of the beer.

The brewery describes the finish as smooth and balanced, with enough barrel richness to add depth without weighing the beer down. That’s a pretty appealing direction for a stout that will be packaged in 16-ounce cans.

And it makes sense for the style.

Irish stout has a long history of being flavorful without requiring a huge alcohol percentage, while imperial stout is often associated with higher ABV, thick bodies and extended barrel aging. Eighty Twenty sits somewhere between those two approaches, taking the familiar character of Irish stout and adding a measured amount of barrel-aged imperial stout.

No release date or distribution details have been announced yet, so we’ll have to wait for more information from Toppling Goliath before we know exactly when Eighty Twenty will reach shelves.

For now, this is a new stout worth watching. The blend is straightforward, the ABV is approachable, and the label suggests a beer built around roasted malt and barrel character rather than sweetness alone.

Eighty Twenty is coming to 16-ounce cans at 6% ABV. Stay tuned for release details and tasting notes.

Label Text Toppling Goliath Eighty Twenty:

SILKY, DARK AND DECEPTIVELY DRINKABLE. EIGHTY-TWENTY BLENDS 80% SMOOTH IRISH STOUT WITH 20% BARREL-AGED IMPERIAL STOUT, CREATING A LAYERED EXPRESSION OF DARK CHOCOLATE, ROASTED COFFEE AND TOASTED MALT WRAPPED IN SUBTLE NOTES OF VANILLA, AND CHARRED OAK. CREAMY ON THE PALATE WITH JUST ENOUGH BARREL RICHNESS TO ADD DEPTH WITHOUT WEIGHING IT DOWN, IT FINISHES SMOOTH, BALANCED AND INVITING AT 6% ABV.

UNFILTERED BEER; SEDIMENT IS NORMAL

BREWED IN BEAUTIFUL DECORAH, IA

16 FL. OZ. • 6% ALC. BY VOL.

BREWED BY: TOPPLING GOLIATH BREWING CO., DECORAH, IA 52101

Related Toppling Goliath news from mybeerbuzz.com:
Toppling Goliath has a long history of brewing both big IPAs and barrel-aged stouts, and Eighty Twenty adds another interesting direction to that lineup. Check out our previous coverage of Toppling Goliath’s Kentucky Brunch Brand Stout bottle release, Toppling Goliath SR-71, Sosus, Kentucky Brunch, Hopsmack! and Twisted Galaxy, and Toppling Goliath’s Strawberry Shortcake Fandango, Radiant Haze, Golden Nugget and Cinnamon Roll Pastry Stout releases.

About Toppling Goliath Brewing

Toppling Goliath Brewing Company is a craft brewery based in Decorah, Iowa, that has built a national reputation for producing distinctive craft beer, including hop-forward IPAs, barrel-aged imperial stouts and a wide range of rotating seasonal releases. Founded in 2009 by Clark and Barbara Lewey, the brewery grew from a successful homebrewing operation into one of the best-known names in American craft beer.

The brewery’s story began with a passion for brewing beer that stood out from the crowd. What started as a small operation in Decorah eventually developed into a larger brewing business with a dedicated following among craft beer drinkers who appreciate bold flavors, carefully developed recipes and beers that offer something different.

Toppling Goliath became particularly well known for its IPAs, including beers such as Pseudo Sue, King Sue and other hop-forward releases that helped establish the brewery’s reputation. These beers showcase the brewery’s interest in aromatic hops, balanced bitterness and expressive flavors, while its barrel-aged stouts demonstrate a different side of the brewing operation.

The brewery has also developed a strong following for its imperial stouts, particularly Kentucky Brunch Brand Stout, often referred to as KBBS. The beer has become one of the brewery’s most recognizable releases and helped establish Toppling Goliath as a major name in the barrel-aged stout category.

Toppling Goliath’s brewing philosophy centers on producing big beers in small batches, with an emphasis on quality and flavor. The brewery’s portfolio includes a wide variety of styles, from approachable lagers and pale ales to heavily hopped double IPAs and rich imperial stouts. That range allows the brewery to appeal to both casual craft beer drinkers and enthusiasts looking for more complex or limited releases.

The brewery has expanded its operations over the years to meet demand, but Decorah remains at the center of its identity. Its Iowa roots are reflected in its brewing history, its community involvement and its continued focus on producing beer that stands out in a crowded craft beer market.

Toppling Goliath also offers a taproom experience where visitors can explore its beers, enjoy food and learn more about the brewery’s current releases. The taproom provides an opportunity to try beers that may not be widely distributed, including specialty releases and seasonal offerings.

The brewery’s lineup continues to evolve, with new recipes, collaborations and packaging formats appearing throughout the year. From its well-known IPAs to its barrel-aged stouts, Toppling Goliath has developed a reputation for experimentation while maintaining a consistent focus on flavor and quality.

For more information about the brewery, its beers, taproom and current offerings, visit the official Toppling Goliath Brewing website.

zzubreebym