Velvet Glove
Iron Fist Brewing Company

Velvet GloveVelvet Glove
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From:
Iron Fist Brewing Company
 
California, United States
Style:
American Imperial Stout
ABV:
9%
Score:
88
Avg:
3.94 | pDev: 10.91%
Reviews:
105
Ratings:
360
Status:
Retired
Rated:
Nov 13, 2019
Added:
Jan 15, 2011
Wants:
  29
Gots:
  70
You know the expression, "A Velvet Glove and an Iron Fist"? It was coined to refer to a regime that used a soft exterior to hide its punishingly unforgiving nature. This seems an apt description for our Velvet Glove. Its placid appearance and unparalleled smoothness hide the truth; this is one fiendishly strong stout. Rich, chocolaty espresso dominates the flavor profile, with a velvety smooth texture that will haunt your senses.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by superspak:
Photo of superspak
Reviewed by superspak from North Carolina

4/5  rDev +1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
750 ml bottle into snifter, no bottle dating. Pours dense pitch black color with a 1 finger dense tan head with great retention, that reduces to a thin cap that lingers. Spotty soapy lacing clings on the glass. Aromas of dark chocolate, cocoa, roasted malt, coffee, caramel, toast, toffee, raisin, oatmeal, dark bread, and roasted earthiness. Very nice aromas with good balance and complexity of dark/roasted malt notes; with good strength. Taste of dark chocolate, cocoa, caramel, roasted malt, toast, toffee, oatmeal, coffee, dark bread, light char, light raisin, and roasted earthiness. Slight roasted bitterness on the finish; with lingering notes of dark chocolate, cocoa, coffee, roasted malt, caramel, toast, toffee, oatmeal, dark bread, light raisin, light char, and roasted earthiness on the finish for a while. Damn nice balance complexity, and robustness of dark/roasted malt flavors; with zero cloying sweetness after the finish. Medium carbonation and full bodied; with a very creamy, slick, and lightly chalky mouthfeel that is nice. Alcohol is very well hidden with only a slight warming noticed after the finish. Overall this is a damn nice imperial stout. All around good complexity, balance, and robustness of dark/roasted malt flavors; and very smooth to sip on for the ABV. A very enjoyable offering.
Nov 02, 2013
More User Ratings:
Photo of GarrettB
Reviewed by GarrettB from Colorado

3.66/5  rDev -7.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
October 3rd, 2015 - Finally, a winner from Iron Fist. The Velvet Glove is a real rebound after the other tasters today, but this wine dark brew has a lovely smell with smoke, dripping with a subtle sweetness and completely compelling even coming from a taster glass. The flavor is also quite toothsome, with just the perfect level of stickiness and a fantastic blend of sweet and smoky tastes.
Nov 13, 2019
 
Rated: 3.93 by grapeshops from California

Jun 03, 2019
 
Rated: 4.2 by socon67 from New York

Feb 26, 2019
 
Rated: 4 by 22Blue from Kansas

Oct 30, 2018
 
Rated: 3.92 by StoutSnob40 from California

Apr 16, 2018
Photo of russpowell
Reviewed by russpowell from Arkansas

4.5/5  rDev +14.2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Pours an effervescent chestnut/mahogany with 2 fingers of tan head. Great lacing & head retention

S: Iron, raisin, carob

T: Follows the nose, some dryness, slight smokeyness up front. A littl smokeyness, vanilla, a touch of char & a kiss of booze warmth. Finishes smokey, charry , dry with a little roastyness

MF: Medium body/thick, very creamy,

One of the best of this style with an Oatmeal slant I have had in a long time. Well done Iron Fist!
Mar 14, 2018
 
Rated: 4 by bigred89 from Maryland

Mar 10, 2018
Photo of jonnydas
Reviewed by jonnydas from Pennsylvania

4.33/5  rDev +9.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Very chewy, sweet, hoppy undertone, not complex, high alcohol content is barely noticeable. Bought 22 oz bottle at an international supermarket which sells overstock beers for $1.99. WILL go back tomorrow and pick up a few more, maybe more than a few ;D
Nov 11, 2017
Photo of mothman
Reviewed by mothman from Minnesota

3.73/5  rDev -5.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Bottle. Tan head. Lace. Black color.

Rich, roasted, smooth. Dark chocolate, caramel, and espresso. Some heat showing. Dark fruits and molasses.

Medium to full bodied. Ends roasted.

Solid offering.
Nov 02, 2017
 
Rated: 4 by mrcraft from California

Sep 22, 2017
 
Rated: 4.17 by Zach136 from Georgia

Jul 30, 2017
 
Rated: 4.02 by dertyd from California

Jul 24, 2017
 
Rated: 4.5 by egrissom from Georgia

May 31, 2017
 
Rated: 3.75 by brittanylicious from Indiana

Jan 24, 2017
 
Rated: 4.4 by akopczyk from Ohio

Jan 11, 2017
 
Rated: 3.79 by smithj4 from New York

Oct 19, 2016
 
Rated: 4.15 by soco89ziegler from California

Jul 31, 2016
 
Rated: 4.59 by King_Lich13 from Mississippi

Jun 05, 2016
 
Rated: 3.97 by SoCal_Matt from California

May 24, 2016
Velvet Glove from Iron Fist Brewing Company
Beer rating: 88 out of 100 with 360 ratings