Ecliptic Brewing to Release Three Oort Imperial Stout Variants in January 2021

Big, dark, black stouts will be the focus at Ecliptic Brewing in January as the Portland brewer will release three Oort Imperial Stout variants. Ecliptic’s original Oort Imperial Stout has been part of the brewery’s lineup since 2015, and this year, the brewer is adding an additional option with a Linzer Torte Edition. Both of these beers are part of Ecliptic’s Special Release Series and will come in 16-ounce cans and draft. In addition to these two offerings, Barrel-Aged Oort Imperial Stout will also be released as part of the Reserve Series in 500mL bottles and draft.

Ecliptic’s brew team bounced around ideas for the Oort flavor variation and ultimately landed on the Linzer Torte. “This is a traditional Austrian pastry- possibly the oldest known cake in the world,” said Ecliptic’s Head Brewer, Phil Roche, in a statement. “We thought the flavors found in the Linzer Torte – usually hazelnuts, raspberries, cloves, and cinnamon– would complement the roasty flavors of our Oort recipe. This is something we’ve never seen done before, so we’re really excited for this unique flavor.”

Here are descriptions on each of the three Oort Imperial Stout variants as supplied by Ecliptic Brewing.

Oort Imperial Stout
Oort is named after the mysterious region of our solar system that breeds comets. Massive amounts of roasted barley were combined with three types of caramel malts for a rich, full mouthfeel. Chinook, Cascade and Sterling hops lend a balanced bitterness and subtle hop flavor to this brew that’s as black as the vacuum of space.
ABV: 9% / IBU: 30

Oort Imperial Stout: Linzer Torte Edition
This variant of Oort Imperial Stout ale is a special edition for 2021. We took our classic Oort recipe and baked in extra flavors of real raspberries, lemon zest, cinnamon, cloves and hazelnuts, creating a twist on the fruity & nutty flavors of an Austrian Linzer Torte pastry.
ABV: 9% / IBU: 30

Barrel-Aged Oort Imperial Stout
Named after the mysterious region of our solar system that breeds comets, Oort Imperial Stout has massive amounts of roasted barley combined with three types of Caramel malts for a rich, full mouthfeel. Chinook, Cascade and Sterling hops lend a balanced bitterness and subtle hop flavor. This barrel-aged version slumbered for twelve months, imparting notes of rich, bitter chocolate, vanilla and oak.
ABV: 11% / IBU: 30

All three variants of Oort Imperial Stout will be released in both draft and 16-ounce cans (500ml bottles for Reserve Series) throughout Ecliptic Brewing’s distribution network beginning January 20. Visit Ecliptic’s website for up-to-date details on potential release events.