The Czar (Rum Barrel-Aged)
Avery Brewing Company

 

 

 

Serving style was a 5oz snifter. This will be my second review from the same tasting as Tweak (Uncle Jacob's Release party yesterday). I waited a few hours before trying this one, since tweak completely stained my mouth with coffee awesomeness.

Anyway, if you've ever had the original Czar, you know what to expect. It is a very traditional Russian Imperial Stout with a big bready/charred character that is almost textbook RIS stye. The addition of rum barrel aging completely morphs the beer from very good (if not unremarkable) to just plain amazing. The appearance is extremely black, almost an opaque purple-black. Little tight bubbles burst in every which direction and it looks extremely appealing. On the nose, you get big doses of rum and dark fruitiness, with just a dash of licorice. The taste that follows this is what really wins you over though, with a huge sweet rum presence and tons of charred grain with a sweet almost olde ale-ish finish by way of carrot cake. The tiny bubbles give this a very sexy and smooth mouth feel and boy, is it a smooth drinker. Avery is killing it with their barrel program.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Standing in line at the Momi Hiwa release with nothing better to do than review a beer. And wow is this a great one. Described as czar aged for two years in Gosling Old Rum Barrels. Not much head but a few cappuccino colored bubbles around the edge. Color is not completely dark with lots of brown on the edges. Aroma is big coffee scents, milk chocolate and candied sugar. A little alcohol but not bad. The rum really hides the alcohol well. Can't believe this is 11%. Lots of creamy chocolate and a hint of coffee. If I had to compare it, tastes like a better balanced creme brûlée from southern tier. Mouth feel is great with well complimenting carbonation and a full body.

They served it a little colder than I would expect a stout but I think it worked for this beer. As it warmed it was still great and really didn't change the flavor. Can't believe how well the rum goes with this beer and I am thankful to have tried it. Sweet and probably more of a dessert beer.