AKA
Carton Brewing Company

 

Canned 5/9/2019 and poured into a Carton pint glass. It pours an oily jet black with a half finger of fluffy, light mocha head and creamy lacing. On the nose there is roasted malt, freshly-brewed coffee, soy sauce, and black cherry. There's a lot happening in the taste. It opens with fresh coffee and soy sauce, along with chocolate, and dark fruit, which for me is always welcome in a RIS. I'm tasting black cherry and a hint of raspberry. The soy gives it a bite that balances the sweetness of the coffee and the dark fruit. The flavors blend very well. It has a medium mouth feel; not quite as viscous and creamy as I'd expect in a big stout, with pleasant carbonation. However, there's no escaping the 12.5% ABV. This is a big Stout for sure. Overall, this is an adventuresome Stout as I would expect from Carton. And it's one of their best.

At the brewer today, a break through Imperial Stout, AKA. With studio partner Burial (another fave from Asheville nc)
a) Darker, richer stout ruby black body with dark khaki sticky, lacy head.
s) Stout coffee, roasted barrel, wood, along with wasabi mustard and roasted sesame notes.
t) Follows aroma in complex, mouth filling flavor arc that balances sweet with bitter roast and miso / mustard bite.
f) Creamy, tangy, soy like body.
o) Bring more... go back Thu evening!

More from Brewer's website:
GRIST: MARIS OTTER, DOUBLE ROASTED CRYSTAL 120, CARAMEL 65, VICTORY, MIDNIGHT WHEAT, FLAKED OATS, LACTOSE
OG/FG: 30.5°P/10.9°P
YEAST: CHICO
HOPS: APOLLO
RED MISO, BARLEY MISO, TOASTED BLACK SESAME SEEDS