Wildcat
Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project

L: Pours a thick, rich chocolate that is near-black. Has a slick, oily pour. No head forms, but a thin espresso ring of lacing forms around the edge of the snifter. Held to the light, this beer has an opaque, nutty mocha hue.

S: Intoxicating. Getting notes of vanilla, oak, and dark chocolate. Bourbon and some faint wood. Lighter aromas of dark fruit - cherries or plums. Light char and malt.

T: Chocolate/cacao, vanilla, dark fruit, and a light coffee bite up front. Char, oak, bourbon are noticeable in the middle. Finishes with a mild spicy heat and roasted malt. Incredibly smooth.

F: Thick velvet, sticky and wet mouthfeel. Full-bodied. Light- to moderate-carbonation. Big ABV and bold flavors, yet very smooth and drinkable.

O: This is everything an American Imperial Stout should be. Perhaps its only weak spot is the lack of a head on the pour; the rest of the beer is without flaw. Outstanding aromas and a bold, complex flavor profile that is well-balanced, with neither sweet nor bitter outshining the other. The body is thick yet smooth. This beer is worth trying more than once.

Undated bottle; drank 12/26/23 @ Pokemon Communion.

Black appearance. An even pour yielded a small dark tan head; frothy lacing remained.

Dark chocolate, wood, vanilla & mild plum notes in the nose.

Thick, sticky mouthfeel.

Dark chocolate & plum flavors up front; wood & mild bourbon heat notes on the finish.

A solid stout with some nice wood accents. I'd have another.