Royal Docks’ Vlad has developed a cult following among those who appreciate extreme beers. For this 8th annual release in 2024, we aged the beer on bourbon barrel heartwood for a new dimension of depth, intensity, and complexity. This special release, like its predecessors, is a worthy tribute to its namesake, the Romanian folk hero Vlad the Impaler.
Like the original Vlad, this is a bold, unapologetic beer and will make an impression that will not be soon forgotten.
Look for an intensely dark beer with a creamy tan head, smooth and robust roasted aromas supported by flavours of coffee and dark chocolate with a warming, but not overwhelming, finish.
Our cofounder John Bikis was born in Brașov – a Transylvanian town nestled in the literal shadow of Castle Bran – the castle that along with Vlad’s life and reign has inspired numerous legends and stories over the centuries, including the famous tale of Count Dracula, a fictional vampire inspired by Vlad’s reputation as a ruthless ruler. While Vlad the Impaler remains a controversial figure in history, he is also celebrated as a national hero in Romania for his efforts to defend his homeland against foreign invaders.
Vlad III, commonly known as Vlad the Impaler, was a 15th-century ruler of Wallachia, a region in what is now Romania. He was born in 1431 in Transylvania, which was part of the Kingdom of Hungary at the time. Vlad’s father, Vlad II Dracul, was a member of the Order of the Dragon, a chivalric order created by the Holy Roman Emperor Sigismund to defend Christianity against the Ottoman Empire.
Vlad III earned his notorious nickname, “the Impaler,” due to his preferred method of execution, which involved impaling his enemies on stakes. This brutal form of punishment was intended to instill fear in his enemies and deter potential invaders. It is said that he would often display the impaled bodies as a warning to any who dared to challenge his authority.
Vlad’s reign was marked by his relentless struggle against the Ottoman Empire, which posed a constant threat to the Romanian principalities. He is perhaps most famous for his resistance against the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II, who sought to expand his empire into Eastern Europe.
In 1462, Vlad launched a series of raids against the Ottomans, inflicting heavy casualties and disrupting their advance. However, his tactics were extremely brutal, leading to widespread terror and devastation. According to historical accounts, he impaled thousands of prisoners, including women and children, during his campaigns.
Despite his ferocity, Vlad’s efforts to resist the Ottomans were ultimately unsuccessful. In 1462, Mehmed II launched a counter-attack, forcing Vlad to retreat. Vlad’s reign was characterized by conflict and intrigue, and he faced numerous challenges from rival factions within Wallachia as well.
