Pure Project Lost Monarch Imperial Stout with Coffee & Hazelnuts 2021
Pure Project Lost Monarch is an 11.5% ABV imperial stout brewed with organic Huehuetenango coffee from Guatemala and organic Oregon hazelnuts — the second release (May 13, 2021) in Pure Project's quarterly core stout series. Brewed in San Diego, California, and sold here in a 22oz bottle, it is a velvety, decadent stout built around three words the brewery uses itself: "HAZELNUT. MOCHA. PIZZELLE." Order craft beer online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 11.5%
- Size: 22oz bottle (2021 vintage release)
- Adjuncts: Organic Huehuetenango coffee (Guatemala, roasted by Mostra Coffee) + organic Oregon hazelnuts
- Brewery: Pure Project Brewing, San Diego, California (brewed in Vista; original Miramar taproom)
- Release: Second quarterly core stout release, May 13, 2021
San Diego Stout Season, Bottled
Lost Monarch is Pure Project's quarterly answer to the question "what should a San Diego imperial stout be?" For the 2021 release, the brewery layered in organic Huehuetenango coffee grown by a small-farmer co-op in Guatemala and roasted stateside by Mostra Coffee, plus organic Oregon hazelnuts. The official flavor notes read like a bakery case: nutty coffee, pizzelle, vanilla, baker's chocolate, and toffee on the nose; rich hazelnut and mocha on the palate; a velvety, decadent mouthfeel throughout. See more from Pure Project or shop the stout and porter shelf.
Tasting Notes
Decadent and layered. The coffee lands first — nutty, real, espresso-adjacent — then the hazelnut fills in with a praline-like richness, and vanilla, baker's chocolate, and toffee round out the mid-palate. At 11.5% ABV it has imperial-stout weight, but the mouthfeel stays velvety rather than boozy, and the mocha finish lingers.
How to Enjoy
Serve cool but not cold (50–55°F) in a snifter or tulip to let the coffee and hazelnut open up. A natural dessert beer — pair with tiramisu, chocolate cake, or a cheese plate with aged gouda. The 22oz bottle is built for sharing; pour it within a couple of hours of opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Lost Monarch taste like?
Hazelnut, mocha, and pizzelle — with nutty coffee, vanilla, baker's chocolate, and toffee, per the brewery.
How strong is it?
11.5% ABV — full imperial-stout strength.
Is the 2021 a special release?
Yes — the May 13, 2021 bottling was the second release in Pure Project's quarterly core stout series.
For the 2021 hazelnut-and-coffee imperial stout from San Diego, buy Pure Project Lost Monarch online at Del Mesa Liquor — pickup or delivery in San Diego, CA.