Felons Brewing Co. will launch its annual twin Imperial Stout releases across venues in Sydney and Brisbane on 18 June, ahead of the winter solstice.

The Felons brewing team spends months crafting bold, deep expression of Imperial Stout each winter – a style widely regarded as the ultimate showcase of a brewery’s technical skill, creativity and ambition.

The 2026 Imperial Stout release (440ml, ABV 9.2%) uses Scottish ale yeast and a complex grist featuring smoked malt using River Red Gum, adding subtle depth without overwhelming the beer’s core balance.

Felons Brewing Co Brewery Director Tom Champion said: “Each year we return to Imperial Stout as a winter ritual, but never as a repetition. This year’s Imperial Stout release leans into restraint and balance – smoke used as texture rather than dominance, and a malt structure designed to reveal itself slowly. It’s a beer built for patience, warmth, and conversation.”

The Midnight Rum Run, Barrel Aged Imperial Stout (750ml, ABV 12.5%) was developed in collaboration with Northern Rivers-based Husk Distillers. It was created by ageing Felons’ 2025 Imperial Stout for three months in Husk Rum barrels to build layered complexity, warmth, and spirit-driven richness.

Husk Distillers Head Distiller and CEO Quentin Brival said: “At Husk, everything begins in the ground. We grow our own cane and process it fresh within hours of harvest, so the rum carries depth and character from the start. The barrels took that on and gave it back to the beer over time, adding richness and structure. The result is simply delicious.”

The releases will be available on tap (plus cans and bottles for takeaway) in Brisbane at Felons and Felons Barrel Hall, and in Sydney at Felons Manly and Felons Barrel Room.