matth76
12-29-2004, 10:33 PM
This is my first review of a beer so take it easy please....
22 oz bottle
"for summer release" 2004 vintage
10.8% abv
This beer poured a thick, viscous black, warm oil, like crude into my glass. For those that work on their own cars and change their own oil, imagine opening the drain plug on a warm engine. This is how it poured. The head was small with a nice khaki brown color that settled quickly. Throughout my tasting, a lace followed the glass. My fridge runs a little cold so this may have an impact on the pour.
The first wiff from those nose says "MALTS", dark chocolate, expresso, anise, coffee, caramel, mollasses, and even some faint fruit from the hops. First sip says, "WHOW, what a beer! This is mighty fine!" I was expecting a much drier and bitter finish. This is probably due to my inexperience with Russian Imperials. The body is indeed thick and the taste leaves an oily impression. The alcohol is barely noticeable which makes this a dangerous brew. I did let it warm up to the 55 F recommended serving temp. I highly suggest you do the same, you will not be disappointed.
I have passed on this beer many times in the paint store because I consider myself a hop head type that probaly would not enjoy this monster of a beer. Boy was I wrong. This is easily one of the top five beers that I've tried and I truly enjoyed every sip. I'm now on a mission to seek other imperial stouts. Although it's well hidden, the 10.8% will creep up on you in a hurry. One of these on a cold winter night by a fire place with the misses (or hubby) is an excellent night cap.
Hope you enjoyed the review, now hurry up and get yourself one!
Cheers!
22 oz bottle
"for summer release" 2004 vintage
10.8% abv
This beer poured a thick, viscous black, warm oil, like crude into my glass. For those that work on their own cars and change their own oil, imagine opening the drain plug on a warm engine. This is how it poured. The head was small with a nice khaki brown color that settled quickly. Throughout my tasting, a lace followed the glass. My fridge runs a little cold so this may have an impact on the pour.
The first wiff from those nose says "MALTS", dark chocolate, expresso, anise, coffee, caramel, mollasses, and even some faint fruit from the hops. First sip says, "WHOW, what a beer! This is mighty fine!" I was expecting a much drier and bitter finish. This is probably due to my inexperience with Russian Imperials. The body is indeed thick and the taste leaves an oily impression. The alcohol is barely noticeable which makes this a dangerous brew. I did let it warm up to the 55 F recommended serving temp. I highly suggest you do the same, you will not be disappointed.
I have passed on this beer many times in the paint store because I consider myself a hop head type that probaly would not enjoy this monster of a beer. Boy was I wrong. This is easily one of the top five beers that I've tried and I truly enjoyed every sip. I'm now on a mission to seek other imperial stouts. Although it's well hidden, the 10.8% will creep up on you in a hurry. One of these on a cold winter night by a fire place with the misses (or hubby) is an excellent night cap.
Hope you enjoyed the review, now hurry up and get yourself one!
Cheers!