Choco Marshmallow American Imperial Stout
Kuhnhenn Brewing Company

 

Pours black and has a syrupy blackness in the glass. There is no head or pretense of carbonation. A fine, dark bronze ring forms from microbubbles. A thick, clinging film produces a multitude of legs after each tip of the glass. This truly is black. So black that it has a mirrored shine.

A Breckenridge snifter concentrates Baker's chocolate with equal parts deep roasted coffee and malt. Light charred malt lends a light campfire smokiness. The alcohol fumes lift faint charred marshmallow and, as warmth comes on, vanilla.

The flavor is very complex. Dark roasted malt dominates over charred malt, while bitterness finds its place in dark chocolate and demitasse. That strong baseline is accompanied by notes from the barrel as it warms. A long roasted malt finish has just light sweetness. Booziness is surprisingly light, and late in the session, some earthiness comes into play.

The body is very dense, with a soft, smooth texture, similar to deerskin leather. Carbonation adds a light prickliness. Alcohol is on target and only has a mild warming sensation. It clings to the palate.

This is a sublime beer! It set the stage for a mellow Sunday afternoon with mild weather. The leaves added a light rustling, while birds chirped and walnuts fell with a thud. The marshmallow is so mild, that it keeps surprising me when I notice it.

Very complex earthy and bitter hop notes accented with vanilla and bakers chocolate. Some coffee in there as well. Feel is full and chewy. An excellent example of a perfect base stout shining through the complimentary flavors.