(Lewiston, ME) – Baxter Brewing Company’s newest seasonal introduction is based on one of the most classic and controversial moments in all of sports. Here’s more from the company’s Monday morning newsletter (and the “punch” itself can be seen at the 4-minute mark in the video below).

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Phantom Punch Winter Stout is hitting store shelves and bar taps around Maine this weekend (with Mass. following closely behind), and is blowing fans away with its knockout flavor. Here’s a description:

In 1965, in Baxter’s hometown of Lewiston, Maine, Muhammad Ali won the world heavyweight boxing title by knocking out Sonny Liston with a blow that some considered a “Phantom Punch.”

To honor the fighters and our city’s history, Baxter has named its winter stout in celebration of this event. Phantom Punch is a Foreign Extra Stout with a hearty 6.8% ABV; enough to warm up winter gatherings, but not too much to prevent sipping a few by the fire. Its deep black hue and rich tan head complement the full, but not overly heavy, body. Roasted and toasted malts dominate the flavor, with hints of caramel and strong notes of chocolate.

In keeping with Baxter’s tradition of flavoring our seasonal beers with natural ingredients, roasted cocoa nibs reinforce the malty chocolate, while real vanilla beans suggest a touch of sweetness without weighing down the brew. Lastly, Phantom Punch has just enough British hops to balance the stout’s maltiness, but this is Baxter’s least hoppy beer to date.

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