427 Scytale Tropico - Pineapple And Coconut
Great Basin Brewing Co.

 

$ 18.70 (Including shipping)/capped bomber ($ 0.85/oz) from Tavour, Seattle, WA.
Bottle undated except for “2018 Expedition Release”. Stored at 42 degrees prior to consumption and served at 55 degrees in a hand-washed and hand-dried Jester King snifter.
Appearance – 4.25.
Body – Dark brown, opaque. When held to the light, penetration occurs only at the meniscus.
Head – Large (Maximum 6.2 cm, aggressive center pour), light brown, high density with a few large rocks, average retention time, diminishing to an irregular eight to ten mm lacy ring, a thin complete layer, and thin partial rings of lacing remaining as the head retracts.
Lacing – None.
First pour – Dark brown, clear.
Aroma – 4.25 – Begins with a pleasingly mild bourbon. As it warms, some maltiness further attenuates the bourbon.
Flavor – 4.5 – Begins with chocolate and bourbon with the middle being dominated by pineapple, citrusy and slightly sour. The end belongs to vanillin from the barrel and a bit of coconut. A mild gastric warming begins. No hops, no alcohol (11.8% ABV), no diacetyl, no dimethylsulfide.
Palate – 3.5 - Medium, creamy, lively carbonation.
Impression and summation – 4.5 – The flavor is one of the better I’ve run across in an American Double/Imperial Stout. The mild, almost understated, bourbon-ness leads into the unexpected blast of pineapple and sourness, an excellent contrast to the usual heavy chocolate-maltiness of most Impy stouts. The finish with the vanillin from the oak bourbon barrels exchanges compliments with the coconut. The appearance and the nose further enhance the drinking experience. The unexpected lively carbonation even works with the overall mélange of sensory stimulations. The high price point is justified. I’m going to try to find a couple more of this exceptional Impy stout.