Jopen B.V. - Ex-Girlfriend Oakwood

In this oak-infused version of their bold Eisbock, Jopen rests their Ex-Girlfriend on oak spirals, elevating the flavor profile without altering the visual appearance of the original. The pour still boasts the same rich tan head and deep nut-brown hue, but from the moment it hits the glass, it’s clear that something transformative has occurred.

The aroma now leads with a strong presence of white oak—clean, woody, and lightly tannic—creating an immediate contrast to the original version’s malt-forward bouquet. Beneath the oak, you can still detect traces of the roasted character that defined the base beer, but it’s more subdued and well-integrated, softened by the oak infusion process.

On the palate, that oak influence continues to shine, taking center stage right from the first sip and lingering long into the dry finish. One taster remarked that the oak was among the most expressive and dominant they’d ever experienced in a beer. While the characteristic roastiness of the malt remains present, the bitter edge found in the standard Ex-Girlfriend is notably dialed back, replaced with rounded tones of vanilla, toasted caramel, and a gentle warmth.

Though the chocolate notes still make an appearance, they’re far less intense, taking on a more mellow, supporting role. The overall result is a smoother, rounder version of the original—still bold and complex, but with a richer, more refined elegance brought on by the oak infusion.