Great Claw
Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company

Bourbon soaked, roasty and toasty, and with imperial status strength, the Imperial Stout of Greenbrier Valley is a slow and steady sipper that's sure to stand the test of time.

Great Claw leaps right out to a jet black pour with an onyx sheen. As a frothy, arid and honeycomb structured froth builds on the brim, A roasty perfume of dark roast coffee, cocoa, roasting walnut and grilled fruit deliver a smoky char and hints of vanilla and caramel. Sweeter once on the tongue, a deeply carbonized sweetness of sorghum and molasses seems seared for a savory and nougat character.

As the sweetness recedes and the roasted values increase, the middle palate shows a roasty espresso, burnt sugar character with a smoky tar-like depth of flavor. A twinge of grilled dark fruit seem berry-like before taking a woodsy trek. The barrels add a whisky spice but also brings out the peppery wood tannins for balance and spice beyond the vanilla, nutty and caramel complements.

Full bodied but somberly dry and relaxed, the big beer drinks remarkably smooth for such a bold sense of strength. A bitter finish seems coffee-like before a long campfire afterglow.

on draft, in a 12 oz stemmed glass

black in color, thick tan colored head. Nice roasty flavor with dark cocoa, oaky booze, a touch of vanilla and toasted marshmallow. Dry finish, full bodied.

 

Appearance: Pours espresso colored with a thin beige head; webby lacing remains as the head fades to a ringet

Smell: Chocolate and caramel dominant, with hints of ash and fig; Bourbon tones recessed

Taste: Chocolate and caramel forward, with ash and fig emerging; the Bourbon makes an appearance, in the middle, with some oak and vanilla arriving, as well; the finish is a blend of all the flavors

Mouthfeel: Full bodied with moderate carbonation; slight warmth in the gullet

Overall: Not something you would typically expect in a 12 oz can but I really liked the balance in this brew

Thanks, Treyliff, for the opportunity

 

 

12oz can poured into a tulip

A- pours thick and jet black in color with a one-finger creamy khaki head that has great retention and leaves some lacing behind

S- dark roasted malts gives some charred aromas, as well as coffee, chocolate, caramel, figs, raisins and burnt marshmallow. Undertones of the barrel add booze soaked oak, vanilla and a hint of coconut

T- roasted notes up front gives flavors of char, black coffee, anise, licorice candy, chocolate and booze soaked raisins and figs. Mid-palate brings out a subtle barrel note, adding barrel juice, wet oak and a hint of vanilla. The finish gives more roast, with a bitter linger, maybe a trace of hops sticking around

M- medium-heavy body with moderate carbonation leads to a creamy mouthfeel that continues into a silky, warming finish

O- a big and bold BA stout, it actually drinks more like a RIS