Rudie Can't Fail
Phantom Canyon Brewing Company

A cherry imperial stout. The name comes from a Clash song of the same name that appeared on their "London Calling" album. The yeast used is from McEwan Brewery, Scotland (the above taken from the bartender's information sheet). I wasn't sure whether to place this one in the Russian imperial stout category (i.e., ABV) or American stout. I opted for the latter.

Poured into a snifter and arrived jet black in body with a thin head that left a thin coat of foam along the inside of the glass. Cherries are immediately apparent when sniffing the brew; soft, roasted grain and malt background. Sweet and tart cherry flavors meld nicely with a lightly charred toastiness; very well-done hop bitterness to balance out the cherries and malt sweetness; light alcohol bite. Smooth and velvety on the tongue; medium bodied, dry finish.

A very good cherry stout; nicely balanced, rich, and complex. All the flavors mesh well and keep the edge off the relatively high alcohol presence. A good, mid-winter sipper...