Brew York has released its 2023 Empress Tonkoko beer, along with three small-batch barrel-aged versions. It’s the sixth year the award-winning brewery has brewed Empress, a surprisingly easy-drinking 10.6% beer boasting super-rich chocolate notes mixed with fragrant headiness of Tonka and vanilla.
Brew York first created its now signature milk stout, Tonkoko. Imperial Tonkoko was created in 2017, and the 7.5% imperial variation hit the world to much acclaim, quickly winning several awards and even being voted in the ‘top ten best stouts in the world’ by Rate Beer.
For Empress Tonkoko, the brewing team dialled everything up to 11 with over triple the original levels of coconut, cacao, tonka and vanilla creating a creamy and decadent assault on the senses.
Co-founder and Production Director, Lee Grabham, says “We’re incredibly proud of the Tonkoko series and what we’ve managed to achieve with it. The OG Tonkoko is now one of our best-sellers, Imperial Tonkoko was rated one of the best stouts in the world, and Empress Tonkoko has become something of a showpiece for us – it doesn’t get much better than that! We’ve brewed Empress Tonkoko every year since that first brew in 2018 and every year we strive to brew the best version we’ve ever made.”
That’s not all, either. As part of the 2023 Empress release, Brew York is also presenting three very special, super-limited availability barrel-aged Empress variants.
Brewed and released just once a year, each Barrel Aged Empress Tonkoko release spends at least 12 months in a unique selection of barrels.
For 2023 the team carefully selected oak barrels that have formerly stored three different spirits on a mission to bring you three new and entirely unique flavour infusions. They are:
BA Plantation Rum Empress Tonkoko
Plantation Rum was selected for its flavours of rich oak as well as warm molasses and rich burnt sugars which add depth to an already deeply decadent beer.
BA Heaven Hill Empress Tonkoko
Heaven Hill Bourbon was selected to add a caramel sweetness, subtle rye spice, and rich oak to add depth to an already deeply decadent beer.
BA Buffalo Trace Empress Tonkoko
Buffalo Trace Bourbon was selected for its molasses and toffee sweetness, luxurious vanilla, and rich oak to add depth to an already deeply decadent beer.
With all this in mind, it seems it’s time to grab your favourite glass, sink into your favourite chair and take some time out for some serious stout sipping.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Buy online at www.brewyork.co.uk/shop
Pre-orders will open on the Brew York web store on Monday 30th January at 6pm. Individual beers, gift boxes containing the full set, and limited edition branded Empress Tonkoko 2023 t-shirts will be available. The Empress beers, gift boxes, and merchandise will ship from Wednesday 1st February 2023.
Get some at a venue near you
We have partnered with a network of partner venues on a coordinated nationwide launch on Thursday 2nd February 2023. With huge thanks to all the following for their support:
North:
Chequers | Beverley
The Market Tap | Castleford
White Hart | Hull
Head of Steam Park Row | Leeds
Brew York: New Briggate | Leeds
Head of Steam Liverpool | Liverpool
The Crown & Kettle | Manchester
Townmouse | Newcastle
Brew York: The Market Tap | Pocklington
Rita’s Pantry | Redcar
Scholar’s Bar | Scarborough
Head of Steam Sheffield | Sheffield
Tipsy Turtle | Stockton
Bow-Legged Beagle | Wirral
Brew York: Beer Hall & Tap Room | York
Brew York: Handley Tap | York
Fossgate Tap | York
The Crooked Tap | York
The Maltings | York
Valhalla | York
Wales & Midlands:
Head of Steam Birmingham | Birmingham
Head of Steam Cardiff | Cardiff
Robertos | Halesowen
Junkyard | Nottingham
Real Ale Direct Hadnall | Shrewsbury
The Woodman | Stoke
Dog & Partridge | Stoke
The Hop Vault | Stourbridge
The Hop Emporium | Warrington
Tonic | Worcester
South:
Beerfly | Bedford
Hole in the Wall | Brighton
Thirsty | Cambridge
Beer Shop | Hitchin
Hop Inn | Hornchurch
Fuggles | Kent
Craft Metropolis | London
Delay No More | London
Fat Cat Brewery Tap | Norfolk
DEAD Time | Saffron Walden
Beer Shop | St Albans
Please note – not all venues have all versions so please check directly if you’re looking for something specific.
Taste them with us
We are hosting guided tastings of the Empress Tonkoko 2023 Series with limited spaces available:
For the York event: https://brewyork.co.uk/event/empress-york
For the Leeds sessions: