Imperial Stout
Hangar 24 Craft Brewing

 

wow. an unexpected treat. on tap @ bru in lake forest ca. I was hoping to try the Pug's Cobra on tap, but found this instead. served in a typical 10oz bar flute. deep dark brown with a thin tan head which quickly dissipated, no lacing. dark malts, semi-sweet chocolate, toffee and coffee on the nose. big thick mouth feel, coated my tongue & teeth, comparable flavors to the nose. long roasted malt finish, a little licorice, cacao, cocoa. still looking for the -bal version, but glad to try the "before."

On tap at the brewery's second anniversary party 6/5/2010. This was one of the 4 pilot batches released at the party.

Pours a nice dark brown/black color with some beige head. The downsides are that it's murky (seems to be a theme with today's beers) and the head doesnt last or lace.

Aroma is roasty but mostly chocolatey and nutty. Smells more like a robust brown ale or porter. Hints of booze are evident as well.

Flavor is kind of thin for a big imperial stout. I get some burnt flavors and some roasted flavor along with caramel, booze, bread, and trailmix. Sounds good in theory but I think the balance of all these flavors could use some work.

Body is medium/light for enhanced drinkability (mmmm mmm, it'll get ya drunk!) but the alcohol content and the flavor keep me from wanting the whole glass. Still, I am grateful for the experimentation that these guys do and I'll sign up again next year to be a Guinea Pig.