Kiss of Death - 2023 Coffee Variant
Sockeye Grill & Brewery

Review: 2497
Name: Kiss of Death Coffee
Brewery: Sockeye Brewing
Location: Boise, ID
Style: Imperial Stout
ABV: 15%
Canned: 2023
Date: 19 October 2025
I am nearing the 2500th beer review, and I wanted to bring out some whales. I bought it two years ago based on a recommendation. It has been sitting in the cellar since then, waiting for today. I am using a tulip glass and serving the beer at 48 degrees. The hard pour did not create any head; a faint tan line exists around the rim of the glass. The color is inky black with dark reddish ebony hues, charting at SRM 34, and opaque. I was hoping to see some head. I wonder if the high ABV was a factor in this.
Nosing the beer, I smell dark roasted malt, French roast, char, chocolate, light smokiness, anise, floral, raisins, molasses, caramel, leather, and earthiness. The coffee is dominant, making it hard for me to nose other aromas in the beer.
I taste dark roasted malt, earthy, French roast, floral, light herbal, caramel, light char, hint of smokiness, anise, leather, earthy dirt, molasses, raisins, and a herbal note ( reminds me of Jalapenos, but it is not spicy).
The mouthfeel is coating, finishing warm and thick. The body is heavy with low carbonation.
Final Thought: The coffee in this beer is extreme; they did not hold back; however, regardless of the heavy addition of the coffee, the beer's malt backbone holds up well to that onslaught. The base beer has these wonderful flavors and depth that are surprising coming from Sockeye Brewing. The new brewer is doing wonders over there, creating a delightful craft beer experience. At one point, when I was given anything from Sockeye, I was like It's Meh, I have optimism, they are building a customer base for beer geeks alike to have a memorable experience.

500ml bottle at share. Dark brown pour, a few small bubbles. Strong coffee aroma, notes of chocolate, and what seems like some chilis. Taste is coffee, sweet, boozy, woody and dry. Lingering warmth.