Imperial Stout
McGuire's Irish Pub

 

Served in a snifter style glass, nice finger of head and great lacing.

Great aroma on this beer, although a bit tame for an imperial. Tastes is up front roasted malts, some nice chocolate and coffee flavors in there as well. Alcohol is listed as 8%, but this is not very apparent or overpowering in the beer. Mouthfeel is creamy, and a bity chewy, but overall very, very nice.

I was very excited when I found out this is the seasonal they were serving during my visit to Pensacola, and I was not let down. This was a very enjoyable and flavorful imperial stout, and I'd love to try it again.

Get there during happy hour and the beer is a VERY reasonable $1.75!

Table talker states: “A favorite among Russian and English royalty in the 19th century, Imperial Stout was extra strong, extra dark ale not available to the common folk. THE BEER OF KINGS. 8.5% ABV.” This is the late winter/spring release for 2007.

Presented in a tall wine goblet, almost completely opaque; dark chestnut in direct light. No bubbles. One finger light tan head of fine bubbles. Quick fade down to a solid cap and plenty of clingy lacing. Not a whole lot on the nose, even when warmed, it’s basic toasted barley and not much else. Taste, however, is a different story, with toasted barley malt, coffee, chocolate/cocoa and sweet malt, finishes dry and bitter. There’s also hints of warm alcohol and some dark fruit in there, making this a rather complex and tasty Imperial Stout. Mouth is viscous, chewy/creamy and silky smooth, milky even, with a touch of sparkling carbonation. Superior mouthfeel here, extremely enjoyable. Drinkability is solid as well; mouthfeel contributes to an enjoyable drinking experience. 8.5% ABV is certainly “stout,” however.

Overall: A dead-on interpretation of Imperial/Double Stout. I’d love to compare this side-by-side with a highly-rated Imperial, but it’s rather hard to do that in a brewpub, and since McGuire’s doesn’t bottle their beers (except for their barleywine). Strongly recommended.