Churchill's Finest Hour 2012 | Port Brewing
Wants Gots
Reviews: 45 | Ratings:
American Imperial Stout | 11.00% ABV
Port Brewing
California, United States
portbrewing.com
Notes: This beer is retired; no longer brewed. Each Churchill's Finest Hour release is a unique blend of various Port Brewing barrel-aged stouts. Copper wax.
BA SCORE
99
World-Class
99
World-Class
Reviews: 45
| Ratings: 199
4.41/5 rDev -3.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
after yesterday's heaven of 2016 bottles
poured into a fw glencairn
looks great slightly lighter than the 2016 but with a darker head
smells great, vanilla oak and chocolate, no oxidation whatsoever, taste like a fresh beer haha. very close to 2016 but with a bit more oak and roast
Taste is fantastic! I can't believe how well this has held up, I heard it was super hot, 4 years have mellowed this one out.
much like the 2016 there are waves of chocolate and bourbon, slightly less chocolate my than the 2016.
mouthfeel is medium thick, but not as big as the 2016. should be expected sitting at 11%
overall this is fantastic, I do t see if getting better than this, I'd drink it soon. if tour going to trade for this beer is trade for the 2016 instead, it taste like a bigger and bolder version of this guy. don't pass up the chance if you run into this one
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
after yesterday's heaven of 2016 bottles
poured into a fw glencairn
looks great slightly lighter than the 2016 but with a darker head
smells great, vanilla oak and chocolate, no oxidation whatsoever, taste like a fresh beer haha. very close to 2016 but with a bit more oak and roast
Taste is fantastic! I can't believe how well this has held up, I heard it was super hot, 4 years have mellowed this one out.
much like the 2016 there are waves of chocolate and bourbon, slightly less chocolate my than the 2016.
mouthfeel is medium thick, but not as big as the 2016. should be expected sitting at 11%
overall this is fantastic, I do t see if getting better than this, I'd drink it soon. if tour going to trade for this beer is trade for the 2016 instead, it taste like a bigger and bolder version of this guy. don't pass up the chance if you run into this one
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4.5/5 rDev -1.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Very smooth BA stout. Takes it to the next level where you can make this beer more smooth and subtle. This was a great treat, hope to try the other CFH to compare.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Very smooth BA stout. Takes it to the next level where you can make this beer more smooth and subtle. This was a great treat, hope to try the other CFH to compare.
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4.04/5 rDev -11.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
I love a "hot" ba beer, and this one is definitively that!
A- Older Viscosity black with minimal lacing with medium legs
S- Big booze upfront, with chocolate malts. Booze overpowers much of the nose.
T- Crazy booze, like a freshly bottled BCBS. The taste has five steps: 1. booze 2. booze 3. booze 4. chocolate 5. booze
M- Very smooth. Up there with BCBS.
O- If you like "hot" BA stouts, this one is for you. Almost turning on Black Tuesday's block. I am glad I got to try it, but if I had one, I would let it mellow for another year. I also don't like Older Viscosity anymore, and I am getting too much of that.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
I love a "hot" ba beer, and this one is definitively that!
A- Older Viscosity black with minimal lacing with medium legs
S- Big booze upfront, with chocolate malts. Booze overpowers much of the nose.
T- Crazy booze, like a freshly bottled BCBS. The taste has five steps: 1. booze 2. booze 3. booze 4. chocolate 5. booze
M- Very smooth. Up there with BCBS.
O- If you like "hot" BA stouts, this one is for you. Almost turning on Black Tuesday's block. I am glad I got to try it, but if I had one, I would let it mellow for another year. I also don't like Older Viscosity anymore, and I am getting too much of that.
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4.43/5 rDev -2.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
650ml bomber poured into tulip, cheers mattsander for opening this bad boy
A black with a deep cola edge, not much for head or lace but not the biggest pour so take it with a grain of salt I suppose
S fortified wine, a little smoke, fudge, vanilla, oak, a little booze, bruised dark fruit and faint molasses, smells rich
T great but different, roasts darker, some black strap, a little licorice, lots of barrel but I can't pinpoint, some espresso and chocolate covered raisins, burnt brown sugar rounds things out
M thick and a little sticky on the lips but slick on the palate, some heat but not much, a little burnt wood on the finish and it numbs the lip just a tad
O great stuff, lots of barrel, the booze is mellow, smells and tastes awesome, perhaps the highlight of the night and considering what we drank that says something
one of those beers that I'm just glad I got to try and the fact that it kicked ass is just a minor detail, thanks again Matt
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look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
650ml bomber poured into tulip, cheers mattsander for opening this bad boy
A black with a deep cola edge, not much for head or lace but not the biggest pour so take it with a grain of salt I suppose
S fortified wine, a little smoke, fudge, vanilla, oak, a little booze, bruised dark fruit and faint molasses, smells rich
T great but different, roasts darker, some black strap, a little licorice, lots of barrel but I can't pinpoint, some espresso and chocolate covered raisins, burnt brown sugar rounds things out
M thick and a little sticky on the lips but slick on the palate, some heat but not much, a little burnt wood on the finish and it numbs the lip just a tad
O great stuff, lots of barrel, the booze is mellow, smells and tastes awesome, perhaps the highlight of the night and considering what we drank that says something
one of those beers that I'm just glad I got to try and the fact that it kicked ass is just a minor detail, thanks again Matt
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4.56/5 rDev 0%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
750ml bottle poured into HF fest glass. Thanks Dan (totoropanda) for the bottle. Split at my birthday tasting awhile ago, reviewed from notes. Consumed right after Churchill's '13.
A- Pours a dark brown color that appears an opaque black in the glass. A creamy mocha head forms that has decent retention and slowly recedes leaving spotty lacing. Slightly lighter then '13.
S- Lots of chocolate fudge, dark chocolate, nice integrated bourbon, light oak, and a slight hint of rye in the background. Fairly aromatic, very pleasant smelling, fairly complex.
T- Chocolate fudge, milk chocolate, lightly bitter dark chocolate, integrated bourbon that balances nicely with the fudge, finishes with a nice fudge taste and a hint of rye. Nicely balanced, very flavorful, nuanced, and a treat to drink.
M- Very smooth, creamy, very drinkable, nice carbonation level for style, not much heat present.
O- This beer was fantastic and easily one of the better blended imperial stouts I've had. This was definitely a little bit better then the '13 which had a little bit more booze and wasn't quite as smooth. This was a treat to enjoy and I wish I lived closer to the brewery so that I could try it again.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
750ml bottle poured into HF fest glass. Thanks Dan (totoropanda) for the bottle. Split at my birthday tasting awhile ago, reviewed from notes. Consumed right after Churchill's '13.
A- Pours a dark brown color that appears an opaque black in the glass. A creamy mocha head forms that has decent retention and slowly recedes leaving spotty lacing. Slightly lighter then '13.
S- Lots of chocolate fudge, dark chocolate, nice integrated bourbon, light oak, and a slight hint of rye in the background. Fairly aromatic, very pleasant smelling, fairly complex.
T- Chocolate fudge, milk chocolate, lightly bitter dark chocolate, integrated bourbon that balances nicely with the fudge, finishes with a nice fudge taste and a hint of rye. Nicely balanced, very flavorful, nuanced, and a treat to drink.
M- Very smooth, creamy, very drinkable, nice carbonation level for style, not much heat present.
O- This beer was fantastic and easily one of the better blended imperial stouts I've had. This was definitely a little bit better then the '13 which had a little bit more booze and wasn't quite as smooth. This was a treat to enjoy and I wish I lived closer to the brewery so that I could try it again.
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4.67/5 rDev +2.4%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
A: Inky, very dark brown but not quite black, light brown head that clings around the edge.
S: Baked sweet dark fruit, cocoa, chocolate fudge, port wine, oak, not excessively bourbony or barrely. Unique, not very much like any other BA stout I've had. A tiny bit of booze, barely anything.
T: Huge cocoa/vanilla/dark fruit orgy, deeply portlike finish, a truly delightful beer that I'm stoked I finally opened.
M: Medium chewy, solid carbonation, perfect.
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look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
A: Inky, very dark brown but not quite black, light brown head that clings around the edge.
S: Baked sweet dark fruit, cocoa, chocolate fudge, port wine, oak, not excessively bourbony or barrely. Unique, not very much like any other BA stout I've had. A tiny bit of booze, barely anything.
T: Huge cocoa/vanilla/dark fruit orgy, deeply portlike finish, a truly delightful beer that I'm stoked I finally opened.
M: Medium chewy, solid carbonation, perfect.
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4.33/5 rDev -5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
22oz bottle at Armsby Abbey's Stoutfest in April. Poured into a tulip glass. Had to power thru a KBS to make sure I didn't lose the opportunity to try this one.
A - Pours a super clear dark brown color. Not much for a head - just a low mocha collar that leaves behind faint traces of lacing on the glass.
S - Booze, molasses and brown sugar. Light smokiness, vanilla with sweet caramel and toffee. This even smells thick.
T - Super smooth beer. Lots of vanilla, firm booziness/bourbon, brown sugar and molasses, smoky malt, some chocolate. A bit candy-like, dessert beer. Could sit with this one for a long time and enjoy every minute.
M - Very thick and full bodied. Low carbonation, but works perfectly here. Extremely smooth. Sweet with a mild alcohol warmth and low smokiness.
O - This one definitely lives up to the hype it gets. Very glad to have the opportunity to try this. One of the best BA stouts I have had - definitely in my top 5.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
22oz bottle at Armsby Abbey's Stoutfest in April. Poured into a tulip glass. Had to power thru a KBS to make sure I didn't lose the opportunity to try this one.
A - Pours a super clear dark brown color. Not much for a head - just a low mocha collar that leaves behind faint traces of lacing on the glass.
S - Booze, molasses and brown sugar. Light smokiness, vanilla with sweet caramel and toffee. This even smells thick.
T - Super smooth beer. Lots of vanilla, firm booziness/bourbon, brown sugar and molasses, smoky malt, some chocolate. A bit candy-like, dessert beer. Could sit with this one for a long time and enjoy every minute.
M - Very thick and full bodied. Low carbonation, but works perfectly here. Extremely smooth. Sweet with a mild alcohol warmth and low smokiness.
O - This one definitely lives up to the hype it gets. Very glad to have the opportunity to try this. One of the best BA stouts I have had - definitely in my top 5.
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3.76/5 rDev -17.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Served on-draught into a 4 oz taster at the Churchill's Finest Hour Release earlier this year. 2012 vintage (obviously). Reviewed from notes taken standing up in the crowded pub; I couldn't go as in-depth as I wanted as a result. Consumed side by side with the 2011 vintage.
A: Pours no head at all. Body colour is a dark solid black. Opaque. There is a floating ring about the edges of the glass which is khaki in colour.
Rich and inviting. Vibrant. Silky. Attractive. No yeast particles are visible. No bubble show.
Sm: Chocolate, licorice/anise, caramel, dark amlts, vanilla. Complex, with no boozy notes. Inviting. A moderate strength aroma.
T: Chocolate malt, chocolate, dark malts. Light alcohol warmth. Caramel. Refined and decadent. Balanced, if boozy. Not as complex as expected. I do like it. Definitely a sipper, though. It's tasty. Far boozier than the 2011. Much more licorice and anise than the 2011 as well; licorice is one of the flavours I'm not a big fan of - just in terms of my own personal tastes.
Mf: Smooth, wet, and full-bodied. Heavy. She's a sipper alright. Unrefreshing. Refined. Good presence on the palate. Suits the flavour profile well. Perfect carbonation. Heavier on the palate than the 2011 vintage.
Dr: Very drinkable for the high ABV, yet still a sipper. You wouldn't chug it. I'd have to share a full bottle with others, but a 4 oz sample is lovely. A tasty imperial stout, but not among the best I've had. Not worth seeking out; I'm glad the other beers at this event made it worth the time and expense. I expected to be blown away, but that wasn't the case. It's another solid brew from Port/Lost Abbey, and I'd definitely get it again if possible, but I wouldn't trade for a bottle. I'd sure like to revisit it in a better environment to really go into as much depth as I like to.
Low B+
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Served on-draught into a 4 oz taster at the Churchill's Finest Hour Release earlier this year. 2012 vintage (obviously). Reviewed from notes taken standing up in the crowded pub; I couldn't go as in-depth as I wanted as a result. Consumed side by side with the 2011 vintage.
A: Pours no head at all. Body colour is a dark solid black. Opaque. There is a floating ring about the edges of the glass which is khaki in colour.
Rich and inviting. Vibrant. Silky. Attractive. No yeast particles are visible. No bubble show.
Sm: Chocolate, licorice/anise, caramel, dark amlts, vanilla. Complex, with no boozy notes. Inviting. A moderate strength aroma.
T: Chocolate malt, chocolate, dark malts. Light alcohol warmth. Caramel. Refined and decadent. Balanced, if boozy. Not as complex as expected. I do like it. Definitely a sipper, though. It's tasty. Far boozier than the 2011. Much more licorice and anise than the 2011 as well; licorice is one of the flavours I'm not a big fan of - just in terms of my own personal tastes.
Mf: Smooth, wet, and full-bodied. Heavy. She's a sipper alright. Unrefreshing. Refined. Good presence on the palate. Suits the flavour profile well. Perfect carbonation. Heavier on the palate than the 2011 vintage.
Dr: Very drinkable for the high ABV, yet still a sipper. You wouldn't chug it. I'd have to share a full bottle with others, but a 4 oz sample is lovely. A tasty imperial stout, but not among the best I've had. Not worth seeking out; I'm glad the other beers at this event made it worth the time and expense. I expected to be blown away, but that wasn't the case. It's another solid brew from Port/Lost Abbey, and I'd definitely get it again if possible, but I wouldn't trade for a bottle. I'd sure like to revisit it in a better environment to really go into as much depth as I like to.
Low B+
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4.68/5 rDev +2.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
22 oz bottle, 2012 copper wax version, poured into a snifter.
A- Pours black, very thick and viscous looking, topped with a thin layer of mocha head, nice retention, leaves a bit of spotty lacing.
S- One of the best smelling BA stouts ever. Incredible mix of oak, bourbon, vanilla, roast, caramel, dark chocolate, maybe a bit of coconut. The barrel aromas on this beer are just flawless.
T- Tastes aaalmsot as nice but not quite, the flavors have a heavier focus on dark and milk chocolate, which tastes amazing, also some roasted grain, and oak, bourbon, vanilla and coconut.
M- Full-bodied, low-ish carbonation, with a creamy, slightly thick feel and mild alcohol warmth.
O- A very, very good stout, the chocolate and barrel flavors are delicious and blended really smoothly. Hopefully I'll be able to have this again sometime soon.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
22 oz bottle, 2012 copper wax version, poured into a snifter.
A- Pours black, very thick and viscous looking, topped with a thin layer of mocha head, nice retention, leaves a bit of spotty lacing.
S- One of the best smelling BA stouts ever. Incredible mix of oak, bourbon, vanilla, roast, caramel, dark chocolate, maybe a bit of coconut. The barrel aromas on this beer are just flawless.
T- Tastes aaalmsot as nice but not quite, the flavors have a heavier focus on dark and milk chocolate, which tastes amazing, also some roasted grain, and oak, bourbon, vanilla and coconut.
M- Full-bodied, low-ish carbonation, with a creamy, slightly thick feel and mild alcohol warmth.
O- A very, very good stout, the chocolate and barrel flavors are delicious and blended really smoothly. Hopefully I'll be able to have this again sometime soon.
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4.25/5 rDev -6.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Huge thanks to Bill for sharing some of his bottle at The Armsby Abbey's Stoutfest 2013 after I shared one of the worst beers I've ever had with him. Reviewed from notes. Poured into a tulip.
A - Poured a clearish dark brown hue with a thin mocha head that left a light, light halo. Quite nice and appealing.
S - Roasty nuts and malts. Very tiny amount of vanilla, nice bourbon and oak with some solid bourbon booze.
T - Taste is very nice. Good chocolate, bourbon notes, some booze, nice malty roast, sweet candy elements. Really nice and smooth.
M - Mouthfeel is solid. Boozy but creamy.
O - Overall a solid Imperial Stout. The best beer I had that day by far.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Huge thanks to Bill for sharing some of his bottle at The Armsby Abbey's Stoutfest 2013 after I shared one of the worst beers I've ever had with him. Reviewed from notes. Poured into a tulip.
A - Poured a clearish dark brown hue with a thin mocha head that left a light, light halo. Quite nice and appealing.
S - Roasty nuts and malts. Very tiny amount of vanilla, nice bourbon and oak with some solid bourbon booze.
T - Taste is very nice. Good chocolate, bourbon notes, some booze, nice malty roast, sweet candy elements. Really nice and smooth.
M - Mouthfeel is solid. Boozy but creamy.
O - Overall a solid Imperial Stout. The best beer I had that day by far.
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4.53/5 rDev -0.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Bottle poured into my Lawson's snifter. Thanks to Dan (totoropanda) for this one!!!
A: WOW! Beautiful black beer with a nice brown head. Leaves beautiful lacing as the head recedes.
S: A lot of bourbon and oak. Apart from that I can smell a tiny bit of vanilla but that's it.
T: I can taste tons of bourbon at the first sip. After that I feel coffee, chocolate, vanilla, oak and dark fruit! It has a bit of heat from the alcohol but the sweetness/chocolate/everything else balances it out. As this warms the taste gets even more amazing. The heat dies down and everything else comes to play. WOW this is an amazing BA stout.
M: A bit over carbonated for my taste. Leaves a huge, sticky feeling in the mouth.
O: Sweet and boozy but damn good! Great mix of bourbon and chocolate! This just tied up there with BA Speedway and FW Parabola as my favorite BA stouts! Definitely worth looking out for! Outstanding beer.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Bottle poured into my Lawson's snifter. Thanks to Dan (totoropanda) for this one!!!
A: WOW! Beautiful black beer with a nice brown head. Leaves beautiful lacing as the head recedes.
S: A lot of bourbon and oak. Apart from that I can smell a tiny bit of vanilla but that's it.
T: I can taste tons of bourbon at the first sip. After that I feel coffee, chocolate, vanilla, oak and dark fruit! It has a bit of heat from the alcohol but the sweetness/chocolate/everything else balances it out. As this warms the taste gets even more amazing. The heat dies down and everything else comes to play. WOW this is an amazing BA stout.
M: A bit over carbonated for my taste. Leaves a huge, sticky feeling in the mouth.
O: Sweet and boozy but damn good! Great mix of bourbon and chocolate! This just tied up there with BA Speedway and FW Parabola as my favorite BA stouts! Definitely worth looking out for! Outstanding beer.
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4.3/5 rDev -5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
A- Pours black with a fizzy small brown head that recedes to a ring around the glass. Alcohol legs on the glass.
S- Bourbony oak, vanilla, molasses. Slight chocolate. Not the most massive aroma.
T- Bourbon, oak, vanilla, coffee, dark fruits, with slight chocolate mousse and heat on the finish. I didn't pick up on as much chocolate as everyone says there is in this beer, which was a bit disappointing. Enjoyed it a little less as I got towards the end of my glass (though I still enjoyed it).
M- A little too carbonated for my liking for an imperial stout. Light side of full bodied. Somewhat smooth.
O- A very nice imperial stout. Reminds me A LOT of GI Bourbon County, but not as good. If given the choice, I would definitely have Bourbon County over this. While I really like this beer, I gave up too much in trade for it.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
A- Pours black with a fizzy small brown head that recedes to a ring around the glass. Alcohol legs on the glass.
S- Bourbony oak, vanilla, molasses. Slight chocolate. Not the most massive aroma.
T- Bourbon, oak, vanilla, coffee, dark fruits, with slight chocolate mousse and heat on the finish. I didn't pick up on as much chocolate as everyone says there is in this beer, which was a bit disappointing. Enjoyed it a little less as I got towards the end of my glass (though I still enjoyed it).
M- A little too carbonated for my liking for an imperial stout. Light side of full bodied. Somewhat smooth.
O- A very nice imperial stout. Reminds me A LOT of GI Bourbon County, but not as good. If given the choice, I would definitely have Bourbon County over this. While I really like this beer, I gave up too much in trade for it.
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4.62/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
From 12/01/12 notes.
a - Pours an almost black color with one inch of dark tan head and moderate carbonation evident. Looks pretty good.
s - Smells of roasted malts, chocolate, vanilla, bourbon, toffee, and alcohol, toasted malts, oak, and some dark fruit. Lots of chocolate and some nice bourbon, I'm a big fan of the nose.
t - Tastes of bourbon, chocolate, vanilla, roasted malts, oak, toasted malts, caramel malts, and toffee. More bourbon here than the nose which I like a lot, and less overall alcohol heat. Mixes together wonderfully; an amazing taste even better than the nose.
m - Medium body and moderate carbonation. Somewhat thick and pretty nice body.
o - Overall I thought this was a great stout; it's blended great and the taste is perfect. Awesome mix of bourbon and chocolate and not hot at all for the ABV. Would love to get another bottle of this.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
From 12/01/12 notes.
a - Pours an almost black color with one inch of dark tan head and moderate carbonation evident. Looks pretty good.
s - Smells of roasted malts, chocolate, vanilla, bourbon, toffee, and alcohol, toasted malts, oak, and some dark fruit. Lots of chocolate and some nice bourbon, I'm a big fan of the nose.
t - Tastes of bourbon, chocolate, vanilla, roasted malts, oak, toasted malts, caramel malts, and toffee. More bourbon here than the nose which I like a lot, and less overall alcohol heat. Mixes together wonderfully; an amazing taste even better than the nose.
m - Medium body and moderate carbonation. Somewhat thick and pretty nice body.
o - Overall I thought this was a great stout; it's blended great and the taste is perfect. Awesome mix of bourbon and chocolate and not hot at all for the ABV. Would love to get another bottle of this.
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4.49/5 rDev -1.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5
22oz bottle poured into taster - thanks pat
Pours an inky blacked out color with a slight darkly tanned head resting on top. Fades out completely, leaving a few traces of lacing on the glass.
Heavy, intense and rich in the nose - driven by oaky bourbon, sweet vanilla beans, and roasted dark malts. Complex and intoxicating, it took me about 5 minutes before I could even take a sip. Boozy warmth with hints of syrupy sweetness and raisin.
Plenty of boozy warmth up front, but tempered by pleasant dark chocolate and bourbon soaked vanilla. Soft oaky char with raisin and roasted dark malts. Continuing layers of malt throughout the backbone, dotted with hints of caramel and more chocolate. Boozy and sweet on the finish.
Fuller body, milder carbonation, sticky and smooth on the tongue. Similar to the 2011 release, this is a wonderfully rich and complex beer which had me thinking and marveling for quite some time. It's definitely boozy and sweet, but lands near-perfectly on the line before crossing into the harsh and cloying category.
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look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5
22oz bottle poured into taster - thanks pat
Pours an inky blacked out color with a slight darkly tanned head resting on top. Fades out completely, leaving a few traces of lacing on the glass.
Heavy, intense and rich in the nose - driven by oaky bourbon, sweet vanilla beans, and roasted dark malts. Complex and intoxicating, it took me about 5 minutes before I could even take a sip. Boozy warmth with hints of syrupy sweetness and raisin.
Plenty of boozy warmth up front, but tempered by pleasant dark chocolate and bourbon soaked vanilla. Soft oaky char with raisin and roasted dark malts. Continuing layers of malt throughout the backbone, dotted with hints of caramel and more chocolate. Boozy and sweet on the finish.
Fuller body, milder carbonation, sticky and smooth on the tongue. Similar to the 2011 release, this is a wonderfully rich and complex beer which had me thinking and marveling for quite some time. It's definitely boozy and sweet, but lands near-perfectly on the line before crossing into the harsh and cloying category.
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4.85/5 rDev +6.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Tasted at the release party in March, 2012 and again at the pub in Oct., 12
10/12 Bottle poured into a snifter at Churchill's Pub
Excellent fresh and has done nothing but get better in the past six months.
Ridiculously smooth, the slight edge of alcohol tasted earlier this year now blends seamlessly with the warmth of the chocolate and malts. This beer creates one of the fullest mouthfeels that I've experienced, making every single of those 10,000 tastebuds of mine very happy. If this brew had been released in the thousands of bottles like Black Tuesday, I'd have a case for aging and another for the supping.
My advice: do what is required to acquire a bottle.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Tasted at the release party in March, 2012 and again at the pub in Oct., 12
10/12 Bottle poured into a snifter at Churchill's Pub
Excellent fresh and has done nothing but get better in the past six months.
Ridiculously smooth, the slight edge of alcohol tasted earlier this year now blends seamlessly with the warmth of the chocolate and malts. This beer creates one of the fullest mouthfeels that I've experienced, making every single of those 10,000 tastebuds of mine very happy. If this brew had been released in the thousands of bottles like Black Tuesday, I'd have a case for aging and another for the supping.
My advice: do what is required to acquire a bottle.
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4.42/5 rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Bottle shared by Jason. Thanks dude! Served in a Hill Farmstead tulip.
A - Dark mocha foam settles to a thick collar, wisps, and a few tiny specks of lacing. Very, very dark brown body that is largely opaque.
S - A delightful blend of oak, whiskey, roasted malts, anise, nuts, dark chocolate, caramel, and perhaps a hint of marshmallow.
T - Taste is also quite enjoyable with flavors of dark chocolate, roasted grains, weighty multi-grain loaves, vanilla, and lighter touches of oak and bourbon.
M - Medium body that feels a touch light for the listed 11%. Dry, roasty texture, with a tannic finish and only mild warming alcohol. Pleasant lower-to-moderate carbonation. Quite easy to drink for the style and alcohol content.
D - An exceptionally well-crafted barrel-aged stouts with rich and complex flavors and no real flaws. I look forward to drinking my own bottle of this in the near-future. A worthy follow up to the equally excellent 2011 edition.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Bottle shared by Jason. Thanks dude! Served in a Hill Farmstead tulip.
A - Dark mocha foam settles to a thick collar, wisps, and a few tiny specks of lacing. Very, very dark brown body that is largely opaque.
S - A delightful blend of oak, whiskey, roasted malts, anise, nuts, dark chocolate, caramel, and perhaps a hint of marshmallow.
T - Taste is also quite enjoyable with flavors of dark chocolate, roasted grains, weighty multi-grain loaves, vanilla, and lighter touches of oak and bourbon.
M - Medium body that feels a touch light for the listed 11%. Dry, roasty texture, with a tannic finish and only mild warming alcohol. Pleasant lower-to-moderate carbonation. Quite easy to drink for the style and alcohol content.
D - An exceptionally well-crafted barrel-aged stouts with rich and complex flavors and no real flaws. I look forward to drinking my own bottle of this in the near-future. A worthy follow up to the equally excellent 2011 edition.
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4.32/5 rDev -5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
651mL copper wax 2012 ed thanks to Emily! Pours deep black. Medium, spritzy reddish head. Awesome savory, tawny bourbon nose: malted milk balls, rendered fat, smokey bacon, dried guajillo pepper. Wow. Taste is lighter than Serpents Stout, tangy, rich dark chocolate, butter, lactic semisweet chocolate, cocoa butter. Palate is not sticky sweet or even dense- very fluffy and light with mega cocoa butter. Awesome. One of the best barrel characters I’ve experienced. Classic. 11/8/2012 9/4/8/5/17=4.3
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look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
651mL copper wax 2012 ed thanks to Emily! Pours deep black. Medium, spritzy reddish head. Awesome savory, tawny bourbon nose: malted milk balls, rendered fat, smokey bacon, dried guajillo pepper. Wow. Taste is lighter than Serpents Stout, tangy, rich dark chocolate, butter, lactic semisweet chocolate, cocoa butter. Palate is not sticky sweet or even dense- very fluffy and light with mega cocoa butter. Awesome. One of the best barrel characters I’ve experienced. Classic. 11/8/2012 9/4/8/5/17=4.3
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4.1/5 rDev -10.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Pours black with a nice chocolaty looking head on it. Nose consists of resiny milk chocolates with soft, sweet oak wood. Taste starts off with silly milk chocolates that move into even deeper rich milk chocolates. Almost milk shake like. The chocolates yield a bit to some oak, but the milk chocolate holds strong and finishes it off. Mouth is full and creamy. Overall, this is really nice if you like chocolate beers. A little one dimensional as chocolate and oak are the two biggest and most dominant players in this beer and there are no strong traces of other layers of complexity present.that being said, the flavors are bold and delicious.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Pours black with a nice chocolaty looking head on it. Nose consists of resiny milk chocolates with soft, sweet oak wood. Taste starts off with silly milk chocolates that move into even deeper rich milk chocolates. Almost milk shake like. The chocolates yield a bit to some oak, but the milk chocolate holds strong and finishes it off. Mouth is full and creamy. Overall, this is really nice if you like chocolate beers. A little one dimensional as chocolate and oak are the two biggest and most dominant players in this beer and there are no strong traces of other layers of complexity present.that being said, the flavors are bold and delicious.
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4.5/5 rDev -1.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
2012 vintage acquired recently in a trade. Opened with Hobdul on his recent visit to Denver. Pours black with a nice mocha head into my Goose Island glass. Smell and taste are a well-balanced blend of bourbon, vanilla, chocolate, and toffee. The 11% ABV is perfect too - not too boozy. Reminds me that beers like Uncle Jacob and Black Tuesday are obnoxiously strong. The barrel on this is very strong,while I think this is drinking incredibly well at the moment, I wonder if this will hold up well over time. I can't imagine it getting better,since it's already aged and tastes great.
Body is fairly thick, carbonation is adequate, and it's an overall excellent beer. If someone wants to trade another bottle to me, shoot me a BM.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
2012 vintage acquired recently in a trade. Opened with Hobdul on his recent visit to Denver. Pours black with a nice mocha head into my Goose Island glass. Smell and taste are a well-balanced blend of bourbon, vanilla, chocolate, and toffee. The 11% ABV is perfect too - not too boozy. Reminds me that beers like Uncle Jacob and Black Tuesday are obnoxiously strong. The barrel on this is very strong,while I think this is drinking incredibly well at the moment, I wonder if this will hold up well over time. I can't imagine it getting better,since it's already aged and tastes great.
Body is fairly thick, carbonation is adequate, and it's an overall excellent beer. If someone wants to trade another bottle to me, shoot me a BM.
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4.62/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Can't say anything without first thanking Sean for this gem...2012 CFH, gold waxed & capped, poured into a Deschutes tulip.
A: Dense opaque black with a soft cap of khaki tan head.
S: Intense bourbon and whiskey notes without being extraordinarily boozy...rye whiskey spice as well? Tons and tons of rich sweet milk chocolate, toasted almond, and oak.
T: Taste follows the nose with just a bit more booze; bourbon, oak, rich dark chocolate fudge...toasted coconut and almond, strong notes of whiskey accompanies a touch of burn on the throat, with hints of spiced vanilla.
MF: Honestly pretty smooth and mellow for a 2012 bottle. Soft carbonation, full bodied, velvety and a bit viscous and coating.
O: So tasty! The very best beer I've ever had, something I could drink all of the time even with the moderate-to-strong bourbon presence. IMO, do what you have to to trade for one of these.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Can't say anything without first thanking Sean for this gem...2012 CFH, gold waxed & capped, poured into a Deschutes tulip.
A: Dense opaque black with a soft cap of khaki tan head.
S: Intense bourbon and whiskey notes without being extraordinarily boozy...rye whiskey spice as well? Tons and tons of rich sweet milk chocolate, toasted almond, and oak.
T: Taste follows the nose with just a bit more booze; bourbon, oak, rich dark chocolate fudge...toasted coconut and almond, strong notes of whiskey accompanies a touch of burn on the throat, with hints of spiced vanilla.
MF: Honestly pretty smooth and mellow for a 2012 bottle. Soft carbonation, full bodied, velvety and a bit viscous and coating.
O: So tasty! The very best beer I've ever had, something I could drink all of the time even with the moderate-to-strong bourbon presence. IMO, do what you have to to trade for one of these.
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4.94/5 rDev +8.3%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Reviewing the 2012 version of Churchill's Finest Hour from Port Brewing Company (Lost Abbey's alter ego). We cracked this one, in addition to several other big name goodies, to celebrate the end of the Illinois bar exam, my birthday, and Robbie Moy's birthday. I believe each year's batch is a different stout recipe.
Score: 99
2012 vintage bottle. Served in a plastic taster cup, shared with friends and enjoyed on 07/28/12. Review is from notes.
Appearance: Jet black color. Pours a thin layer of creamy dark tan head that settles to a ring around the glass. Good lacing, but average retention. 4/5
Smell: Huge notes of fudge, plus bourbon and brown sugar. Dark fruit and subtle vanilla as well. There is a very light roastiness to the nose, which also emits a hint of wood as the beer warms. What an absolutely smooth and inviting barrel-aged stout nose! 5/5
Taste: Like the nose, fudge dominates the flavor with a little dark chocolatiness too. The fudge flavor is thick and luscious, and it coats the tongue with lingering flavor. Layered on top of the fudge is the bourbon, molasses and a hint of coffee. Not tasting any wood. There is some sweet dark fruit flavor as well, but the dark fruit characteristics are more subtle on the palate than it was in the aroma. There is a faint hint of alcohol towards the finish that gives the beer a little kick without throwing off the balance or drinkability. 5/5
Mouthfeel: Full bodied, minimal carbonation. Thick, viscous and slightly sweet. 5/5
Overall: A near-perfect stout that is easily one of the best that I have ever had the pleasure to enjoy. It is hard to fault a beer like this for not being "pretty" enough, but that's about my only real criticism here. This brew is complex and smooth, and it lives up to the hype. I sincerely hope I will be able to try this one again in the future.
Recommendation: Seek this beer out.
Pairings: Cocoa-rubbed filet Mignon.
Cost: $25 for a 22 oz (bomber) bottle.
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look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Reviewing the 2012 version of Churchill's Finest Hour from Port Brewing Company (Lost Abbey's alter ego). We cracked this one, in addition to several other big name goodies, to celebrate the end of the Illinois bar exam, my birthday, and Robbie Moy's birthday. I believe each year's batch is a different stout recipe.
Score: 99
2012 vintage bottle. Served in a plastic taster cup, shared with friends and enjoyed on 07/28/12. Review is from notes.
Appearance: Jet black color. Pours a thin layer of creamy dark tan head that settles to a ring around the glass. Good lacing, but average retention. 4/5
Smell: Huge notes of fudge, plus bourbon and brown sugar. Dark fruit and subtle vanilla as well. There is a very light roastiness to the nose, which also emits a hint of wood as the beer warms. What an absolutely smooth and inviting barrel-aged stout nose! 5/5
Taste: Like the nose, fudge dominates the flavor with a little dark chocolatiness too. The fudge flavor is thick and luscious, and it coats the tongue with lingering flavor. Layered on top of the fudge is the bourbon, molasses and a hint of coffee. Not tasting any wood. There is some sweet dark fruit flavor as well, but the dark fruit characteristics are more subtle on the palate than it was in the aroma. There is a faint hint of alcohol towards the finish that gives the beer a little kick without throwing off the balance or drinkability. 5/5
Mouthfeel: Full bodied, minimal carbonation. Thick, viscous and slightly sweet. 5/5
Overall: A near-perfect stout that is easily one of the best that I have ever had the pleasure to enjoy. It is hard to fault a beer like this for not being "pretty" enough, but that's about my only real criticism here. This brew is complex and smooth, and it lives up to the hype. I sincerely hope I will be able to try this one again in the future.
Recommendation: Seek this beer out.
Pairings: Cocoa-rubbed filet Mignon.
Cost: $25 for a 22 oz (bomber) bottle.
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4.62/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
22 oz. waxed bottle served in a Deschute tulip. Huge thanks to Andrew (nasty31) for sharing.
A: Pours a dark black with a thick head of mocha coloring forming on the pour. It recedes a to a nice ring that leave some splotchy lace.
S: Smooth bourbon and roasted malts fill the nose right away. Sweet dark fruits (figs and chocolate covered raisins) are next with a sweet, but restrained oak and a little marshmallow. I can only hope the taste is as nice.
T: Nice smooth bourbon with just a touch of residual heat. Heavily roasted malts, but nothing overbearing. Small amount of chocolate, but quite heavy on the fudge. A little toasted coconut with some mild oak and slightly burned campfire marshmallow.
M: Incredibly smooth with a medium to low carbonation level. Velvety and cream. This beer drinks like it's, at the most, 8%. I could have finished this whole bomber with ease.
O: As I mentioned before, the drinkability is off the charts. Very smooth, rich and creamy. This was a liquid meal of deliciousness. I don't think I'll be able to have this again, but one could hope...right?
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look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
22 oz. waxed bottle served in a Deschute tulip. Huge thanks to Andrew (nasty31) for sharing.
A: Pours a dark black with a thick head of mocha coloring forming on the pour. It recedes a to a nice ring that leave some splotchy lace.
S: Smooth bourbon and roasted malts fill the nose right away. Sweet dark fruits (figs and chocolate covered raisins) are next with a sweet, but restrained oak and a little marshmallow. I can only hope the taste is as nice.
T: Nice smooth bourbon with just a touch of residual heat. Heavily roasted malts, but nothing overbearing. Small amount of chocolate, but quite heavy on the fudge. A little toasted coconut with some mild oak and slightly burned campfire marshmallow.
M: Incredibly smooth with a medium to low carbonation level. Velvety and cream. This beer drinks like it's, at the most, 8%. I could have finished this whole bomber with ease.
O: As I mentioned before, the drinkability is off the charts. Very smooth, rich and creamy. This was a liquid meal of deliciousness. I don't think I'll be able to have this again, but one could hope...right?
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4.35/5 rDev -4.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Thanks for sharing, Shane.
Pours black in color with a khaki head. Nose of whiskey, vanilla, oak, and roast. Very heavy on the chocolate notes. Fudge, cocoa, and dark chocolate are quite strong in this. Slightly sweet on the palate with heavy dark chocolate character. Oak, whiskey, and a touch of vanilla. Some molasses and burnt sugar give most of the sweetness. Definitely some coffee and a moderate roast quality. Very nice.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Thanks for sharing, Shane.
Pours black in color with a khaki head. Nose of whiskey, vanilla, oak, and roast. Very heavy on the chocolate notes. Fudge, cocoa, and dark chocolate are quite strong in this. Slightly sweet on the palate with heavy dark chocolate character. Oak, whiskey, and a touch of vanilla. Some molasses and burnt sugar give most of the sweetness. Definitely some coffee and a moderate roast quality. Very nice.
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4.3/5 rDev -5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
22oz courtesy of HopHead84. Thanks! Took a nice full pour of this since I brought it to a tasting.
A: Pitch black with a quarter inch mocha head. Slides off the glass.
N: Lots and lots of fudge. A little bit of prune. Caramel, vanilla, plenty of well integrated bourbon.
T: Sugar, bourbon, chocolate. Plenty of ground coffee. Alcohol is evident but it doesn't detract. Some sweet cherry and molasses.
M: Coating and decently thick.
O: Really glad to try this. Big and round and sweeping. A full snifter is more than enough, so I was glad to share with some BA's.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
22oz courtesy of HopHead84. Thanks! Took a nice full pour of this since I brought it to a tasting.
A: Pitch black with a quarter inch mocha head. Slides off the glass.
N: Lots and lots of fudge. A little bit of prune. Caramel, vanilla, plenty of well integrated bourbon.
T: Sugar, bourbon, chocolate. Plenty of ground coffee. Alcohol is evident but it doesn't detract. Some sweet cherry and molasses.
M: Coating and decently thick.
O: Really glad to try this. Big and round and sweeping. A full snifter is more than enough, so I was glad to share with some BA's.
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4.54/5 rDev -0.4%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
650 mL bottle poured into a snifter. Reviewed from notes.
Appearance - Inky black. Good bit of a khaki head. Decent retention.
Smell - Wow. Booze, bourbon, and barrel. Rich roasted character. Vanilla and oak all over, but the stout comes through nicely. Awesome, but boozy.
Taste - Bourbon is less intense, but the barrel is more intense. Vanilla and oak. Someone said, "Peanuts," and for a brief moment, I agree. Rich chocolate malts. Slight dark fruit/licorice character. Great flavors. Maybe a little astringent.
Mouthfeel - Surprisingly dry. That might be the Older Viscosity in this. Boozy, but a nice feel. Well carbonated and not tremendously heavy for what it is.
Overall - Really impressive. Dry and a little astringent, but otherwise damn near perfect barreling of a great stout.
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look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
650 mL bottle poured into a snifter. Reviewed from notes.
Appearance - Inky black. Good bit of a khaki head. Decent retention.
Smell - Wow. Booze, bourbon, and barrel. Rich roasted character. Vanilla and oak all over, but the stout comes through nicely. Awesome, but boozy.
Taste - Bourbon is less intense, but the barrel is more intense. Vanilla and oak. Someone said, "Peanuts," and for a brief moment, I agree. Rich chocolate malts. Slight dark fruit/licorice character. Great flavors. Maybe a little astringent.
Mouthfeel - Surprisingly dry. That might be the Older Viscosity in this. Boozy, but a nice feel. Well carbonated and not tremendously heavy for what it is.
Overall - Really impressive. Dry and a little astringent, but otherwise damn near perfect barreling of a great stout.
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Churchill's Finest Hour 2012 from Port Brewing
Beer rating:
99 out of
100 with
199 ratings
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