Tokyo* (16,5%) - BrewDog

History & Creation: An Out-of-the-Ordinary Beer

4.07 / 5 on UNTAPPD

BrewDog Tokyo*, first launched in 2008, quickly made a name for itself by pushing the boundaries of craft beer. Initially offered at 12% ABV, it sparked outrage among public health advocates in the UK—something that didn’t discourage BrewDog, quite the opposite. In 2009, the Scottish brewery released Tokyo* in a version clocking in at 18.2% alcohol, at the time the strongest beer ever brewed in Great Britain. BrewDog embraced a provocative marketing approach: Tokyo* was inspired by an ‘80s Space Invaders arcade game (hence the little “*” in the name) and the bottle featured a quirky, philosophical tirade about excess. It read:
“Everything in moderation, including moderation itself. What logically follows is that, from time to time, you must have excess. This beer is for those times.”

This invitation to push limits didn’t sit well with the authorities: in 2009, Tokyo* 18% was banned from sale in the UK for allegedly encouraging drunkenness on its label. The regulatory body (the Portman Group) judged it irresponsible to urge consumers to drink to excess, forcing BrewDog to alter its message if they wanted to sell the beer again. True to its punk spirit, BrewDog reacted with sarcasm—by launching a 1.1% beer named Nanny State, poking fun at the controversy. Soon after, the brewery continued its alcohol one-upmanship with even stronger brews (like Tactical Nuclear Penguin, 32%, then Sink The Bismarck!, 41%), cementing its reputation as a craft beer troublemaker.

Today, Tokyo* sits at 16.5% ABV—BrewDog adjusted the recipe in 2014 to slightly lower the alcohol (the 18.2% “stressed the yeast too much,” according to the brewery) while preserving maximum flavor. It remains an extraordinarily powerful Imperial Stout, brewed with unusual ingredients (jasmine, cranberries, champagne yeast) and aged on French oak chips, in a decidedly “out-of-the-ordinary” spirit. Each batch of Tokyo* was intended as a limited edition (3,000 bottles originally)—as much a collector’s curiosity as a beer.

Tasting Profile: Aromas, Flavors & Sensations

Tokyo* presents itself as an Imperial Stout of impenetrable ink-black, with a fleeting brown head that disappears as quickly as a shooting star. Its tasting profile is of intergalactic complexity:

Nose: Powerful and rich. Aromas evoke fortified wines (port, sherry), stewed fruits (prunes, dark berries) and roasted malt. There are also notes of dark chocolate, coffee, oaky wood, all wrapped in a strong alcoholic presence that betrays its 16+ degrees.

Flavors: On the palate, it’s an explosion of successive waves. Expect candied dark fruits (raisins, prunes, cranberries), caramel, licorice, and chocolate, with even vanilla touches from oak aging. Subtle spices (cinnamon, jasmine) can appear as the beer warms. Bitterness (around 90 IBU) is present but takes a back seat to the malt and alcohol; a slight tangy note may emerge in the finish.

Texture: The body is thick and liqueur-like, reminiscent of fortified wine. The mouthfeel is syrupy, almost oily, with very light carbonation. Each sip coats the palate in intense alcoholic warmth. Served chilled, it feels smoother and more balanced, while warmer it becomes heavier and sweeter. Many tasters note that Tokyo* benefits from aging or being drunk very cold to temper its sweetness and fiery edge.

Evolution: This is a beer that evolves. Its aromas and flavors shift as it warms in the glass, revealing new layers one after another. The finish is long, warm, and bitter, recalling a red fruit liqueur followed by a lingering resinous bitterness. In short, Tokyo* offers “a journey beyond your brewing horizons”—it even flirts with the barley wine style due to its vinous, sugary profile. An extreme sensory experience, reserved for thrill-seeking palates!

Expert Reviews: Hype or Masterpiece?

Despite (or thanks to) its excess, Tokyo* has won over many critics and beer experts. On reference sites, it posts striking scores: 98/100 on RateBeer, 89/100 (“Very Good”) on BeerAdvocate, and an average rating of around 4.1/5 on Untappd from over 20,000 reviews. For the craft beer community, Tokyo* isn’t just a publicity stunt—it’s a widely respected beer. By the late 2010s, it ranked among the highest-rated Imperial Stouts in the UK.

Expert commentary swings between awe and caution. On the praise side, the blog Them Apples marveled: “18.2%? That’s not strong… it’s insane!” before describing Tokyo* as “simply astonishing, as much an experience as it is a beer.” The night-black pour and endless flavor layers impressed seasoned tasters: deep chocolate, rich fruit, whisky notes from oak aging—a complexity “beyond comprehension.” Several experts highlighted its unexpected smoothness and roundness for such a high-alcohol brew, proof of BrewDog’s brewing skill.

Other reviews are more measured, stressing Tokyo*’s extreme (and marketing-driven) character. Difford’s Guide, for instance, praises the stout’s richness but calls it “more of an out-of-the-ordinary challenge than a refreshing pint”—one critic admitted struggling to finish even half a bottle due to its intensity. Some described Tokyo* as “perhaps a publicity stunt,” a conceptual brew flirting with the limits of reason. Even BrewDog half-admitted as much, presenting Tokyo* as a manifesto beer meant to “educate the public and expand Britain’s perception of beer.” In short, provocation and innovation are intertwined here—classic BrewDog DNA.

In the end, the expert consensus leans positive: Tokyo* is a technical and gustatory feat, but one to handle with respect. “This isn’t an everyday beer—no one’s downing a pint of this after work—but it’s not just a gimmick either. It’s serious, brewed with care,” concluded one critic, who acknowledged that the marketing buzz around Tokyo* “both adds to its appeal and undermines its credibility,” though without spoiling the enjoyment. In short, Tokyo* fascinates specialists, caught between admiration for BrewDog’s audacity and awareness that this beer flirts with brewing madness.

Consumer Reviews: “Three Sips to Take Off”

Among drinkers, Tokyo* sparks passionate reactions—sometimes glowing, sometimes bewildered, but rarely lukewarm.

Positive notes are frequent: the beer delivers an exceptional aromatic palette. Many compare it to a digestif rather than a classic stout, likening it to port, sherry, or cognac thanks to its dried fruit, brown sugar, and warming alcohol. “An avalanche of exotic flavors, all in one glass,” marveled one taster, astonished to detect molasses, dates, figs, prunes, licorice, cinnamon, and more in a single beer. Several say it’s best enjoyed in small doses, like a dessert wine, and that a 33cl bottle can easily be shared due to its intensity. Connoisseurs also emphasize its aging potential: over time, the alcohol mellows and new flavors (rum, noble oxidation) emerge, enriching the experience. On Untappd, many users give it 4 or 5 stars, praising “its unique and collectible character,” and recommend it to end a meal on a powerful, sweet note (rather than to quench thirst!).

Criticism isn’t absent, even among stout fans. The main complaint is balance: some find Tokyo* too sweet and syrupy, lacking the bitterness or roasted edge that could have countered the heavy residual sugars. “The sweet-syrupy combo is just too much for me, even sipped slowly,” admitted one drinker. “There isn’t enough roast character to balance it, and it gets cloying as it warms.” Many advise drinking it well chilled, since at room temperature “it becomes too heavy, every sip a challenge.” The alcoholic punch, despite maturation, remains striking: “It’s like a strongly alcoholic syrup,”noted another, who no longer felt he was drinking a beer at all. Price is another deterrent—around €10 to €15 for a small bottle—leading many to classify it as a “try once for the experience” beer rather than a regular purchase. “Three sips to take off… Hard to overdo it though,” summed up one French drinker with humor: Tokyo* is an interstellar excursion best attempted occasionally, out of curiosity or challenge, rather than a thirst-quencher by the pint.

In the end, the beer geek community agrees that Tokyo* is a cult beer—polarizing yet memorable. Whether adored for its extreme sophistication or criticized for its lack of restraint, it leaves no one indifferent. From a marketing standpoint, one can lean into this duality: it’s “the beer you remember,” both mythical and ironic (its slogan about excess turned it into an urban legend). Tokyo* embodies BrewDog’s punk audacity and promises anyone who dares to taste it an unforgettable brewing experience—best enjoyed with a touch of madness, and plenty of moderation of course!

Sources:
diffordsguide.com
untappd.com
beercartel.com.au
restaurantonline.co.uk
efp.brewdog.com
them-apples.co.uk
petitemousseentreamis.wordpress.com
alpabiere.fr
anotherdreamytraveller.com
beeradvocate.com