Yin and Yang Black and Tan – Beer Mash Up

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Some of you may be familiar with the tradition of layering stout on top of ale to create a drink known as a black and tan. For many years I’d say Irish drinkers were limited to Guinness on top of Smithwicks. Mikkeller’s Yin and Yang puts a whole new spin on the idea. Yang is an Imperial Taiji India Pale Ale and Yin is an Imperial Taiji Stout. I have read that Taiji is just something they made up but a quick check of the always reliable Wikipedia tells me that it’s the set of Chinese beliefs often represented by the Yin and Yang symbols.

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I had to try the two beers on their own before mixing them, well I didn’t HAVE to, I wanted to! The Yang is an impeccable Imperial IPA. It’s a beautiful amber colour and it’s properly bitter.

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Yin is an exceptional Imperial Stout. It’s got roasted mocha type flavours. Gorgeous. I’m just worried about running out of superlatives at this point.

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The layering didn’t work out despite the careful pouring of my wife over the back of a spoon. No matter. It still tasted amazing. The good and evil, dark and light, malty sweetness and hoppy bitterness form a uniquely satisfying whole. You really have to try it for yourself. I fear I’m now ruined for other Black and Tans.

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