Imperial Stout
Vino's Brewpub

The beer arived at the table black as night and opaque with a nice, extremely long lasting tan brown head which lasted well and coated the glass.

The aroma was fruity with chocolate, coffee and a notable hop presence which I though was cascade. The aroma was also slightly vinous which added comlexity.

The flavor was chocolate and coffee with a strong and substantial hop flavor. The hop bittering was notable as well and worked well with the dark grains and maltiness to create a formidable brew.

The finish was dry with lasting chocolate and coffee with hop flavor and bittering long into the aftertaste. The body was full and very nicely achieved.

This beer was brought to my table by the head brewer, Bill Riffle. He said it was brewed in February and primed in the keg with Sorgum Molasses (or did he say Honey?). It was a 3 bbl batch and some is still around being released a little at a time in smaller servings with no growlers.

A deceptively smooth, strong American stout, Vino's Imperial is a heavier, hoppier version of their Lazy Boy Stout--as far as I can tell. Served in a fluted glass, it poured to a rich, lasting tan head with creamy carbonation. Aroma was typical Vino's (that certain house whang) at first but gave way to a nice chocolatey, roasty smell. Flavor was dominated by roast coffee, and chocolate notes. Hop bitterness served to balance the residual sweetness. Some U.S. hop character in flavor and a bit in the aroma. Mouthfeel was on the thin side but within style guidelines. The alcohol was hidden very well (or they served me the wrong beer!) At any rate, it was a fine strong stout.