Squatters Outer Darkness | Utah Brewers Cooperative
Brewed by:
Utah Brewers Cooperative
utahbeers.com
Style: Russian Imperial Stout
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 10.50%
Availability: Rotating
Notes / Commercial Description:
Welcome to the biggest beer Squatters Pub Brewery has ever made! A Russian Imperial Stout is one of the most intensely flavored beers a brewer can create. The combination of rich roasted barley, oak, molasses and licorice root combine to create an utterly unique and complex imperial stout experience.
We had to mash in twice to get our starting gravity of 27 plato (1.108 specific gravity). We boiled 3.5 hrs to enhance caramelization and used molasses and licorice root at the end of boil. Outer Darkness is aged with oak, has 65 IBUs and bottle conditioned. We hope you have as much fun drinking it as we did making it. Please share with another and drink wisely.
Added by Wasatch on 12-24-2009
Ratings: 564 | Reviews: 172
4.41/5 rDev +9.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
This beer is black as night, I took outside and zero sun getting thru it. Thick tan head with about 2" foam and good lacing. Smells of sugary malt, licorice, caramel, smoke, and oak. The taste is very good, minimal alcohol feel, full of dark chocolate, burnt molasses, sugary caramel, coffee, and some oak notes. This is a heavy beer, excellent for winter time or when you just want a real strong beer. Leave a clean finish with hardly any burn at all, very well done, love it.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
This beer is black as night, I took outside and zero sun getting thru it. Thick tan head with about 2" foam and good lacing. Smells of sugary malt, licorice, caramel, smoke, and oak. The taste is very good, minimal alcohol feel, full of dark chocolate, burnt molasses, sugary caramel, coffee, and some oak notes. This is a heavy beer, excellent for winter time or when you just want a real strong beer. Leave a clean finish with hardly any burn at all, very well done, love it.
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4.5/5 rDev +11.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
3.95/5 rDev -2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Type: 12-oz. can
Glass: AleSmith Barrel-Aged Reserve snifter
From: Bier:Thirty Bottle & Bistro in Boise, Idaho
Price: $4.99
Purchased: April 21, 2017
Consumed: May 6, 2017
Reviewed as: Russian Imperial Stout
Misc.: Enjoy by July 30, 2018
Picked this up with four others at Bier:Thirty on a recent work trip to Boise after getting a random 6-pack of cans earlier at Whole Foods. Looked quickly on Untappd to see that it had good ratings and picked it up. It was that quick.
Poured a pitch black oily color with two fingers of frothy tan head. Very light bubbles coming up from the bottom of the glass. Decent lacing. Good retention. (Sight - 3.75)
Lots of different notes in the nose. Got oak, molasses, barley, malt chocolate, cocoa, dark fruits, plum, toffee, black licorice, anise and vanilla cream. (Smell - 3.75)
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Taste mainly followed the nose. Got roasted barley lead the way, followed by oak, molasses and milk chocolate. Vaguely reminded me of Founders Dirty Bastard. Also got toasted toffee, plum, earthy raisins, dark fruits, cocoa nibs, hints of anise and caramel syrup. Could taste that that booze early, but it mellowed late. (Taste - 4.00)
Full body. Slick texture. Average carbonation. Long, smooth, warming finish. For sure the best part of the beer. (Feel - 4.25)
This was a solid beer overall. Would have it again for sure. (Overall - 4.00)
3.95 | 89 | B+
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look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Type: 12-oz. can
Glass: AleSmith Barrel-Aged Reserve snifter
From: Bier:Thirty Bottle & Bistro in Boise, Idaho
Price: $4.99
Purchased: April 21, 2017
Consumed: May 6, 2017
Reviewed as: Russian Imperial Stout
Misc.: Enjoy by July 30, 2018
Picked this up with four others at Bier:Thirty on a recent work trip to Boise after getting a random 6-pack of cans earlier at Whole Foods. Looked quickly on Untappd to see that it had good ratings and picked it up. It was that quick.
Poured a pitch black oily color with two fingers of frothy tan head. Very light bubbles coming up from the bottom of the glass. Decent lacing. Good retention. (Sight - 3.75)
Lots of different notes in the nose. Got oak, molasses, barley, malt chocolate, cocoa, dark fruits, plum, toffee, black licorice, anise and vanilla cream. (Smell - 3.75)
.
Taste mainly followed the nose. Got roasted barley lead the way, followed by oak, molasses and milk chocolate. Vaguely reminded me of Founders Dirty Bastard. Also got toasted toffee, plum, earthy raisins, dark fruits, cocoa nibs, hints of anise and caramel syrup. Could taste that that booze early, but it mellowed late. (Taste - 4.00)
Full body. Slick texture. Average carbonation. Long, smooth, warming finish. For sure the best part of the beer. (Feel - 4.25)
This was a solid beer overall. Would have it again for sure. (Overall - 4.00)
3.95 | 89 | B+
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4.98/5 rDev +23.6%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5
Outer Darkness has a thin, tan head, a dark brown, nearly black appearance, some glass lacing, and a bit of brown, around the edges. Aroma is of rich, dark-roasted malt, brown bread crust, and some chocolate. Taste is of those elements, with no unpleasant burnt or charred features. Mouthfeel is heavy and velvety, and Outer Darkness finishes rich and sip-able.
RJT
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look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5
Outer Darkness has a thin, tan head, a dark brown, nearly black appearance, some glass lacing, and a bit of brown, around the edges. Aroma is of rich, dark-roasted malt, brown bread crust, and some chocolate. Taste is of those elements, with no unpleasant burnt or charred features. Mouthfeel is heavy and velvety, and Outer Darkness finishes rich and sip-able.
RJT
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4.75/5 rDev +17.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Big, straight black beer, big brown foamy head, and a lingering lacing around the sides. Perfectly filled a tulip glass. Not too much carbonation.
Smell is crisp and full of so many aromatic additons. Roasted malts, milky dark coffee, a little bit of cream, marshmallow. A tiny bit of booze - dark flavored and super good to drink.
Honestly one of my favorite porters I've tried, period. I am damn satisfied with this beer. Squatters was always good with the double IPA, but the porter is absolutely a next level beer. Thank you Squatters.
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look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Big, straight black beer, big brown foamy head, and a lingering lacing around the sides. Perfectly filled a tulip glass. Not too much carbonation.
Smell is crisp and full of so many aromatic additons. Roasted malts, milky dark coffee, a little bit of cream, marshmallow. A tiny bit of booze - dark flavored and super good to drink.
Honestly one of my favorite porters I've tried, period. I am damn satisfied with this beer. Squatters was always good with the double IPA, but the porter is absolutely a next level beer. Thank you Squatters.
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4.81/5 rDev +19.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Pour is opaque liquid black with a beautiful chocolate head. I wish the smell was a bit firmer, because the foam alone takes you to a new planet. Surprising from Squatters, since their "Hop Rising" IMO is quite monotone and a bit too heavy. Taste is rich, beautiful chocolate and straight porter. Love it!
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look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Pour is opaque liquid black with a beautiful chocolate head. I wish the smell was a bit firmer, because the foam alone takes you to a new planet. Surprising from Squatters, since their "Hop Rising" IMO is quite monotone and a bit too heavy. Taste is rich, beautiful chocolate and straight porter. Love it!
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3.84/5 rDev -4.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
4.15/5 rDev +3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.29/5 rDev +6.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
4.25/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.26/5 rDev +5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Pours a dark, motor oil black with hint of ruby when held to the light. Half finger of chocolate-colored head. It leaves thin sheets of lacing when you sip it that disappear fairly quickly.
Big malty aroma with undertones of molasses and black licorice. Maybe a little smoke, ginger and fish in there, too. There's definitely a kiss of hops as well, but the licorice masks it.
Chocolatey taste up front with a roasted, smokey quality to it, followed by fairly strong licorice and molasses. Sweet at first and then a flash of bitterness on the back end. It's like an old-timey molasses cookie with an old-timey piece of licorice on top that's been dunked in a chocolatey milk stout. It tastes good. A little hint of alcohol as well.
Medium bodied -- lighter than what you'd expect from looking at it -- with strong carbonation.
This beer is an effing delight. Best by date in July 2018, so I'm guessing this is still pretty fresh.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Pours a dark, motor oil black with hint of ruby when held to the light. Half finger of chocolate-colored head. It leaves thin sheets of lacing when you sip it that disappear fairly quickly.
Big malty aroma with undertones of molasses and black licorice. Maybe a little smoke, ginger and fish in there, too. There's definitely a kiss of hops as well, but the licorice masks it.
Chocolatey taste up front with a roasted, smokey quality to it, followed by fairly strong licorice and molasses. Sweet at first and then a flash of bitterness on the back end. It's like an old-timey molasses cookie with an old-timey piece of licorice on top that's been dunked in a chocolatey milk stout. It tastes good. A little hint of alcohol as well.
Medium bodied -- lighter than what you'd expect from looking at it -- with strong carbonation.
This beer is an effing delight. Best by date in July 2018, so I'm guessing this is still pretty fresh.
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4.24/5 rDev +5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.09/5 rDev +1.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
A: poured into a snifter to a black beer topped by a finger of dense dark tan head that fades slowly to a collar around the edge of the glass
S: Smells of roasted malts with a lot of chocolate notes along with some charred wood and a hint of licorice
T: Taste is roasty with chocolate malts, charred wood, that slight licorice, a little coffee and even more chocolateyness. Swallow is charred wood with some burnt sugars and roasted malts with a hint of coffee.
M: This beer is on the heavier side of medium which is surprising. I would have liked a little more body out of it. It's silky instead of velvety on the palate as well. Carbonation is low and adequate for the style while the beer has a drying finish.
O: Overall this one has some great flavors and complexity. It would have been nice for it to have a bit more body but that doesn't detract too much from the experience. I'd say this is one to try if you're into Russian Imperial Stouts.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
A: poured into a snifter to a black beer topped by a finger of dense dark tan head that fades slowly to a collar around the edge of the glass
S: Smells of roasted malts with a lot of chocolate notes along with some charred wood and a hint of licorice
T: Taste is roasty with chocolate malts, charred wood, that slight licorice, a little coffee and even more chocolateyness. Swallow is charred wood with some burnt sugars and roasted malts with a hint of coffee.
M: This beer is on the heavier side of medium which is surprising. I would have liked a little more body out of it. It's silky instead of velvety on the palate as well. Carbonation is low and adequate for the style while the beer has a drying finish.
O: Overall this one has some great flavors and complexity. It would have been nice for it to have a bit more body but that doesn't detract too much from the experience. I'd say this is one to try if you're into Russian Imperial Stouts.
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4.21/5 rDev +4.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pours an effervescent mahogany with 2 fingers of caramel colored head. Average head retention & good lacing
S: Dark fruit, cocoa carob, booze & black cherry once warm
T: Dark fruit, cocoa, charred grains, a little booze burn up front along with figs & a little black cherry. Dark chocolate, raisins & cherry as this warms & booze, some carob & molasses as well. Finishes fruitty with woody hops, dryness & charred grains & some vanilla taffy notes
MF: Medium body, firm carbonation, warming
Great take on the style, awesome value as well. Complex, not an easy drinker
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look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pours an effervescent mahogany with 2 fingers of caramel colored head. Average head retention & good lacing
S: Dark fruit, cocoa carob, booze & black cherry once warm
T: Dark fruit, cocoa, charred grains, a little booze burn up front along with figs & a little black cherry. Dark chocolate, raisins & cherry as this warms & booze, some carob & molasses as well. Finishes fruitty with woody hops, dryness & charred grains & some vanilla taffy notes
MF: Medium body, firm carbonation, warming
Great take on the style, awesome value as well. Complex, not an easy drinker
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3.75/5 rDev -6.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
4/5 rDev -0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Very roasty with dark chocolate, coffee beans, cocoa, and balancing malty sweetness from Roger and caramel. Reminds me of black Cantus, but without the oakiness.
Very grainy. Excellent, full-flavored stout.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Very roasty with dark chocolate, coffee beans, cocoa, and balancing malty sweetness from Roger and caramel. Reminds me of black Cantus, but without the oakiness.
Very grainy. Excellent, full-flavored stout.
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4.2/5 rDev +4.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Gunmetal black with a slight and bubbly tan froth. Smells of gum, milk chocolate, pine and leather. Some metallic notes are also noticed. Tastes complex yet inviting with concerted notes of licorice, prune, black grape, pine and molasses. Medium to heavy and somewhat syrupy, which is not a deal breaker. Has a fleeting heat in the finish.
A well-balanced, straight-forward RIS that does it's job well.
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look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Gunmetal black with a slight and bubbly tan froth. Smells of gum, milk chocolate, pine and leather. Some metallic notes are also noticed. Tastes complex yet inviting with concerted notes of licorice, prune, black grape, pine and molasses. Medium to heavy and somewhat syrupy, which is not a deal breaker. Has a fleeting heat in the finish.
A well-balanced, straight-forward RIS that does it's job well.
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4.26/5 rDev +5.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
3.34/5 rDev -17.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.25
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.25
3.99/5 rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
$ 11.36 (Including tax)/25 mL bottle ($ 0.454/oz) at Spec’s, SATX
Enjoy by 1/29/17 at 42 degrees into a hand washed and dried JK snifter, allowed to warm to 50 degrees
Aroma – roasted malt, molasses, licorice, lasts
Head large (Maximum seven cm, aggressive pour), light brown, frothy, slowly diminishing to an irregular three to six mm frothy ring and thin frothy layer with a slightly heaped island
Lacing – no real lacing, just ring drag
Body dark brown, opaque
Flavor – heavy into molasses with some licorice coming through and ending with roasted malt. Moderately sweet at the start, becoming slightly bitter at the end. No alcohol, no diacetyl, no distinct hop flavor or smell.
Palate – full, creamy, soft carbonation
A decent RIS with a decided molasses slant. I’m not adverse to purchasing this again but it’s not something I’ll seek out.
Appearance 4, Aroma 4.25, Flavor 3.75, Palate 4.25, Overall 4
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look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
$ 11.36 (Including tax)/25 mL bottle ($ 0.454/oz) at Spec’s, SATX
Enjoy by 1/29/17 at 42 degrees into a hand washed and dried JK snifter, allowed to warm to 50 degrees
Aroma – roasted malt, molasses, licorice, lasts
Head large (Maximum seven cm, aggressive pour), light brown, frothy, slowly diminishing to an irregular three to six mm frothy ring and thin frothy layer with a slightly heaped island
Lacing – no real lacing, just ring drag
Body dark brown, opaque
Flavor – heavy into molasses with some licorice coming through and ending with roasted malt. Moderately sweet at the start, becoming slightly bitter at the end. No alcohol, no diacetyl, no distinct hop flavor or smell.
Palate – full, creamy, soft carbonation
A decent RIS with a decided molasses slant. I’m not adverse to purchasing this again but it’s not something I’ll seek out.
Appearance 4, Aroma 4.25, Flavor 3.75, Palate 4.25, Overall 4
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4.27/5 rDev +6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Poured into a tulip glass. Pretty black, if not a very dark brown. Had a finger of dark tan head that faded very fast. Smells like a dry high percent cocoa chocolate, a little bit of sweet fresh baked bread smell, some molasses definitely comes through, and a very small hint of vanilla, very nice smell. The taste is about exactly as I smelled it but with a slightly boozy back end, just lovely. Mouth feel is medium. Lacing is pretty neat, it just leaves a bunch of different sized spots around the glass.
I was going to keep this beer cellared, but I live in Utah so figured I'll just drink this one to find out what it tastes like first, then I will buy another to cellar. Best beer I've had from squatters though, totally solid. Cheers!
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look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Poured into a tulip glass. Pretty black, if not a very dark brown. Had a finger of dark tan head that faded very fast. Smells like a dry high percent cocoa chocolate, a little bit of sweet fresh baked bread smell, some molasses definitely comes through, and a very small hint of vanilla, very nice smell. The taste is about exactly as I smelled it but with a slightly boozy back end, just lovely. Mouth feel is medium. Lacing is pretty neat, it just leaves a bunch of different sized spots around the glass.
I was going to keep this beer cellared, but I live in Utah so figured I'll just drink this one to find out what it tastes like first, then I will buy another to cellar. Best beer I've had from squatters though, totally solid. Cheers!
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Squatters Outer Darkness from Utah Brewers Cooperative
4.03
out of 5
based on 564 ratings.
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Big black pour, typical SRM for an imperial stout. Almost 3/4" of tan head on the top. Its dense like a kid with an IEP. Big roasty aroma. No adjunct territory here.
Taste, goes in heavier on the roasted malt notes than it does dark fruit. There's plenty of bitterness with this one. Hefty brown malt beyond just black patent. Cascade hopping. Decent at hiding the alcohol. Mild hints of chocolate and burnt licorice. It isn't giant on the dark fruit notes like plum and raisin, but they aren't insubstantial either. There's dozens of bangers just like this one basically. Its good, but it isn't going to be something you seek out when you go on vacation either. Does a solid job on a cold night.
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