The 2025 edition of Brooklyn Black Ops beer has been released by New York-based Brooklyn Brewery to mark its annual partnership with Four Roses Distillery. db finds out what makes this vintage stand out.
Four Roses, which is based in Kentucky and owned by Japanese beer giant Kirin, has partnered with Brooklyn since 2019 to create the limited- edition 12.4% ABV Russian imperial stout.
‘Bourbon warmth’
The beer has been aged for three months in Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon barrels, hand-selected by Four Roses master distiller Brent Elliott and offers “Bourbon warmth and depth layered into rich stout character, yielding a smooth, indulgent finish”.
Speaking to the drinks business, Brooklyn Brewery’s brewmaster Garrett Oliver said: “Despite its high ABV, Black Ops is very light on its feet – it’s graceful and almost sneaky. So at first it drinks like a sleek stout of normal strength, but then opens up onto new layers.”
Elliott explained: “This partnership allows me to think a bit differently — to explore how our Bourbon can take on a new life while still delivering the balance and nuance Four Roses fans expect. It hits all the right notes for our loyal Bourbon drinkers, yet offers a flavour profile that’s entirely its own.”
Oliver insisted:: “I’m going to say that Black Ops 2025 might be our best Ops release yet.”
‘Simply superior’
Describing what makes this beer better than so many others, Oliver told db: “There are many barrel-aged stouts out there; we’ve been brewing ours for almost 20 years. But Black Ops has always been unique. It’s not overly sweet as many are, it doesn’t show any heat, it’s actually a very smooth experience. Our barrels, from Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon, are simply superior. And Black Ops is very Brooklyn – we’re always about structure, balance and elegance resulting in deliciousness.”
The 2025 Brooklyn Black Ops will be available in 16-ounce four-packs across the US as well as at Brooklyn Brewery’s tasting room in Williamsburg, and the Four Roses Distillery visitor centre in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky and Cox’s Creek, Kentucky.
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