Imperial Stout
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

 

 

 

On-tap @ Brewco.

Solid black with a two finger brown head.

Coffee, maybe nuts, it's too hard to discern.

Dark chocolate right up front, qualities of espresso on the back. It can be overwhelming, but it's a desert beer. This stout might be closer to a brownie than a beer. The alcohol is well masked and the finish is far from clean. It's harsh as a black coffee. Hops are there... I think. A bolder, more pungent brew than I'd expect from subtle, sometimes timid Sierra Nevadas.

Gotta take this at a pace, one of the tougher, thicker brews I've come across. I'd be hard-pressed to have another in a single sitting. Glad I got this after the meal.

A - very good, completely opaque with a thick foamy head that lasted about 3 moites before it settled to a highly laced but thin topping

S - a little of a let down, since it was fairly absent of any overt aromas of, well, anything

T - slightly nutty, bold taste you'd expect in any stout. Overall, pretty smooth with tastes lumbering between strong coffee and a high ABV beer.

M - very smooth and creamy with a little carbonation. Enough to entertain your tongue but not enough to disturb the overall pleasant gulp

D - yes, very drinkable. I'd drink it as a 4th or 5th choice at a very well stocked beer bar.

12 oz bottle poured into a pint glass.

The beer pours dark black with a tan creamy, pillowy head that lingers for awhile.

The aroma is the biggest letdown of this drink, it has a slight smell of chocolate and roasted malts.

Taste is strong of chocolate with a strong coffee bite at the end.

All around a fine beer, and probably the best one Sierra Nevada makes.

It's actually an Imperial Oatmeal Stout, yet the keg collar simply says "Imperial Stout". I've never had an Imperial Oatmeal Stout, but apparently Pyramid brews one. It's 10.5% ABV, but very smooth. The alcohol was not really noticeable at all. Nor was it very roasty or bitter. It was very much what you'd expect from an oatmeal stout, but a bit bigger - malty, smooth, and chocolatey-toasty. Moderate bitterness. Black body. Creamy dark tan head. Good retention. Decent lacing. Overall, it's quite quaffable, although the strength will hold you back. Worth seeking out, but don't expect a "Russian Imperial Stout".