Ballast Point Brewing Co. Indra Kunindra: 7.0% ABV, 50 IBU Limited Release India-Style Export Stout
Indra Kunindra is not your everyday Export Stout. The dark glass of amazingness is brewed with Madras curry, cumin, cayenne, coconut, and Kaffir lime leaf. This India-style Export Stout is a unique collaboration with award-winning homebrewer Alex Tweet. Released in limited quantities, this explosion of South Asian flavors will make any craft beer lover “thank the heavens.”
Ballast Point admits that most beer drinkers will either love it or hate it. The polarizing ingredients are added post-fermentation to keep all of the volatile aromas locked into the beer. They suggest letting the beer warm up before enjoying.
The hits of Madras curry and cumin will be balanced out by the Kaffir lime leaf and toasted coconut once the beer warms up. Cayenne will be a lingering tickle in the back of your throat.
Indra Kunindra won a bronze medal at the San Diego International Beer Festival & Competition in 2012 and a gold medal at the Los Angeles county Beer Competition in 2013.
Appearance
Opaque pitch black with dark tan head that disappears quickly.
Aroma
Roasted grains, Indian spices, especially cumin, hints of coconut and lime. The aromas are more pronounced once the beer warms.
Taste
Typical dry stout with loads of coconut up front, then the spices and heat kick in, lingering taste of chocolate, spices and coconut with a warming feeling.
Mouthfeel
Moderate carbonation, full bodied, lingering warmth.
Overall
I’ve been dreaming of trying this brew for quite some time now. A dear friend of mine (and faithful Beer Busters listener) gave me this bottle, and I will forever be grateful. This beer is everything I hoped it would be, dark, delicious, and spicy. If I had one complaint, I wish the heat was a little more aggressive. If you love interesting and spicy beers like me, you must seek this one out!
Rich even tried this beer with me and enjoyed it, too! He described it as bourbon-ish up front with a raspberry-like flavor at the end with lingering heat. He said, “This is probably one of my favorite beers I’ve ever had… except ones you’ve brewed.” What a great husband.
Check out… this video of Ballast Point’s Jack White and James Murray as they describe Indra Kunindra.
Wanna pick this one up? Availability is limited, though 22 oz. bottles can be found in many bottle shops.
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