ItaloBänger
Põhjala Brewery
Beer Geek Stats:
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- Style:
- American Imperial Stout
- ABV:
- 12.5%
- Score:
- 93
- Avg:
- 4.34 | pDev: 7.37%
- Reviews:
- 12
- Ratings:
- From:
- Põhjala Brewery
- Estonia
- Avail:
- Retired (no longer brewed)
- Wants
- 1
- Gots
- 4
SCORE
93
Outstanding
93
Outstanding
Notes:
This imperial stout takes inspiration from the flavors of Italy, and uses figs, star anise, blood oranges from Sicily, and cooked grape must to create an imperial stout that is absolutely a unique experience in the stout spectrum.
Reviews: 12
| Ratings: 26
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Oh_Dark_Star from Washington
4.56/5 rDev +5.1%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
L: A black no light can penetrate, with a one finger milk-chocolate head dissipating to a thin cap and wide ring with some nice sticky lacing. The bubbles are so minuscule - nearly to the appearance of caramel cream.
S: Muted aroma of roasted malts, dark sweet soy sauce, molasses, and a bite on the nose of orange liquor.
T: Follows the nose - not boozy. Nicely bitter. Figgy, roasty, medjool dates, and sweet with a small licorice note melding with a tartness likely from the grapes.
F: Medium-heavy feel. Right carbonation. This may be a touch thin, but it coats the tongue in silky warmth.
O: My third Põhjala brew was right up there. Underrated for sure. This was great dessert sipper.
Sep 03, 2019
4.56/5 rDev +5.1%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
L: A black no light can penetrate, with a one finger milk-chocolate head dissipating to a thin cap and wide ring with some nice sticky lacing. The bubbles are so minuscule - nearly to the appearance of caramel cream.
S: Muted aroma of roasted malts, dark sweet soy sauce, molasses, and a bite on the nose of orange liquor.
T: Follows the nose - not boozy. Nicely bitter. Figgy, roasty, medjool dates, and sweet with a small licorice note melding with a tartness likely from the grapes.
F: Medium-heavy feel. Right carbonation. This may be a touch thin, but it coats the tongue in silky warmth.
O: My third Põhjala brew was right up there. Underrated for sure. This was great dessert sipper.
Sep 03, 2019
OlaB from Norway
4.43/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Pours a deep black color with a small mocca colored top that dissolves quickly. Aroma is of chocolate, anis, vanilla, liqorice, figs, raisins,coffee and some small notes of orange.
The taste starts of sweet with notes of dried fruits and vanilla, while the back has strong tones of dark chocolate, roasted malts, coffee and liqorice.
The sweet and malty notes are balanced amazingly well. The finish has some slight bitter citrus notes that balance very good with the rest of the flavour, and ends with a long and comfortable aftertaste. Mouthfeel is oily,creamy and smooth with the very high abv very well hidden. Full body with a medium carbonation.
This is an amazing imperial stout , wonderfull and enjoyable.
One of my favourite breweries.
Mar 22, 2019
4.43/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Pours a deep black color with a small mocca colored top that dissolves quickly. Aroma is of chocolate, anis, vanilla, liqorice, figs, raisins,coffee and some small notes of orange.
The taste starts of sweet with notes of dried fruits and vanilla, while the back has strong tones of dark chocolate, roasted malts, coffee and liqorice.
The sweet and malty notes are balanced amazingly well. The finish has some slight bitter citrus notes that balance very good with the rest of the flavour, and ends with a long and comfortable aftertaste. Mouthfeel is oily,creamy and smooth with the very high abv very well hidden. Full body with a medium carbonation.
This is an amazing imperial stout , wonderfull and enjoyable.
One of my favourite breweries.
Mar 22, 2019
Ciocanelu from Romania
4.1/5 rDev -5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Black color with mocha head. Aroma has roasted malts, dried fruits and dark chocolate. Taste is also fruity, slightly tart, desserty, sticky, bitter and roasty on the finish. Medium plus body with low carbonation. Intense but the flavors are balanced quite well.
Feb 17, 2019
4.1/5 rDev -5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Black color with mocha head. Aroma has roasted malts, dried fruits and dark chocolate. Taste is also fruity, slightly tart, desserty, sticky, bitter and roasty on the finish. Medium plus body with low carbonation. Intense but the flavors are balanced quite well.
Feb 17, 2019
mishi_d from Romania
4.68/5 rDev +7.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Black color with tan head, aroma of chocolate, cherry liqueur, dried fruits and caramel, taste is medium sweet/ lightly bitter, heavy body, soft carbonation, very good.
Feb 16, 2019
4.68/5 rDev +7.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Black color with tan head, aroma of chocolate, cherry liqueur, dried fruits and caramel, taste is medium sweet/ lightly bitter, heavy body, soft carbonation, very good.
Feb 16, 2019
Dope from Massachusetts
4.18/5 rDev -3.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Best by 21/03/21
A: Jet-black pour with a good-sized black head. Head sticks around pretty well but shows no sign of lacing on the glass.
S: What an interesting aroma. Clearly a big roasty stout but grapes and a little orange stand out. Quite a bit of char in there too.
T: Damn, what a unique beer. It's roasty and charry up front with lots of dark fruit sweetness (grapes and figs clearly). Not really getting that blood orange in there. The anise shows up just fine though, it's not powerful but you mainly get it in the aftertaste.
M: Heavy, thick, sweet and syrupy. Lower carbonation.k
O: Very nice dessert beer, just like that last one I had. Who knew Estonia had great beer?
Oct 22, 2018
4.18/5 rDev -3.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Best by 21/03/21
A: Jet-black pour with a good-sized black head. Head sticks around pretty well but shows no sign of lacing on the glass.
S: What an interesting aroma. Clearly a big roasty stout but grapes and a little orange stand out. Quite a bit of char in there too.
T: Damn, what a unique beer. It's roasty and charry up front with lots of dark fruit sweetness (grapes and figs clearly). Not really getting that blood orange in there. The anise shows up just fine though, it's not powerful but you mainly get it in the aftertaste.
M: Heavy, thick, sweet and syrupy. Lower carbonation.k
O: Very nice dessert beer, just like that last one I had. Who knew Estonia had great beer?
Oct 22, 2018
smcolw from Massachusetts
4.36/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Deep dark brown color. No light passes. The head is a dark tan. Not much lace -- just some spots on the wine glass.
Dry, dark chocolate smell. Powerful alcohol nose.
If comes across as a carbonated brownie. The body, while it leans rich, is cut by the higher carbonation. The flavor has a berry sweetness that is cut by the bittering burnt malt. Lots of alcohol. Very complex. The swallow has a good dollop of fresh sweet cream. The aftertaste is similar to a milkshake although not as sweet. This is a special beer.
Sep 23, 2018
4.36/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Deep dark brown color. No light passes. The head is a dark tan. Not much lace -- just some spots on the wine glass.
Dry, dark chocolate smell. Powerful alcohol nose.
If comes across as a carbonated brownie. The body, while it leans rich, is cut by the higher carbonation. The flavor has a berry sweetness that is cut by the bittering burnt malt. Lots of alcohol. Very complex. The swallow has a good dollop of fresh sweet cream. The aftertaste is similar to a milkshake although not as sweet. This is a special beer.
Sep 23, 2018
Thomas_Wikman from Texas
4.3/5 rDev -0.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
This is my first Estonian Imperial Stout and I thought it was quite good, different, unique, a lot of taste, and delicious, a bit sweet. I think the chocolate and blood orange blend was a success.
Look: Black with a quarter inch mocca colored head (in tulip)
Aroma: roasted malts, chocolate, orange
Taste: The flavor is roasted malts, sweet chocolate, lots of chocolate, blood orange, some of the figs and grapes and a hint of anise, a bit vinous, but mostly blood orange and chocolate.
Feel: full body, thick, viscous.
Sep 15, 2018
4.3/5 rDev -0.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
This is my first Estonian Imperial Stout and I thought it was quite good, different, unique, a lot of taste, and delicious, a bit sweet. I think the chocolate and blood orange blend was a success.
Look: Black with a quarter inch mocca colored head (in tulip)
Aroma: roasted malts, chocolate, orange
Taste: The flavor is roasted malts, sweet chocolate, lots of chocolate, blood orange, some of the figs and grapes and a hint of anise, a bit vinous, but mostly blood orange and chocolate.
Feel: full body, thick, viscous.
Sep 15, 2018
dpgoblejr from New Hampshire
4.96/5 rDev +14.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5
Best by 3/21/21 12.5% abv
Super dark brown pour with a mocha colored head and slight reddish hue around the edge. Aroma of dark fruit and molasses. The flavors are mind bending!! Grape, tobacco, orange, dark fruit, cocoa and licorice meld together beautifully. The feel is smooth and thick with some oily viscosity. Sweet, sticky and amazing! Well done! Enjoy!
Aug 26, 2018
4.96/5 rDev +14.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5
Best by 3/21/21 12.5% abv
Super dark brown pour with a mocha colored head and slight reddish hue around the edge. Aroma of dark fruit and molasses. The flavors are mind bending!! Grape, tobacco, orange, dark fruit, cocoa and licorice meld together beautifully. The feel is smooth and thick with some oily viscosity. Sweet, sticky and amazing! Well done! Enjoy!
Aug 26, 2018
mwilbur from Minnesota
4.58/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Poured from 11.2 oz bottle into snifter. Best before 21 03 21. Batch 626
A: Pours an extremely dark and dense black-brown with 1/2 inch super dark mocha head with decent retention.
S: Dark chocolate, leather, tobacco, charred wood, dark dried fruit (fig), and hints of orange and anise.
T: Blood orange and dark chocolate hit first, quickly followed by white grape, leather, fig, and a hint of anise.
M: Moderately heavy body. The citrus and grape notes seem to lighten it a bit. Velvety smooth. Fruit and chocolate sweetness. Not very bitter at all.
D: What an interesting brew! Very well constructed. Layered complexity. Really enjoyed the orange and grape additions...gives it a vinous feel underneath the core imperial stout. Well done again, Pohjala!
Jul 25, 2018
4.58/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Poured from 11.2 oz bottle into snifter. Best before 21 03 21. Batch 626
A: Pours an extremely dark and dense black-brown with 1/2 inch super dark mocha head with decent retention.
S: Dark chocolate, leather, tobacco, charred wood, dark dried fruit (fig), and hints of orange and anise.
T: Blood orange and dark chocolate hit first, quickly followed by white grape, leather, fig, and a hint of anise.
M: Moderately heavy body. The citrus and grape notes seem to lighten it a bit. Velvety smooth. Fruit and chocolate sweetness. Not very bitter at all.
D: What an interesting brew! Very well constructed. Layered complexity. Really enjoyed the orange and grape additions...gives it a vinous feel underneath the core imperial stout. Well done again, Pohjala!
Jul 25, 2018
JamFuel from Sweden
4.66/5 rDev +7.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Pours thick and jet black with some chocolate colored foam.
Smell s sweet and fruity with hints of coffee, licorice and some soy sauce. Becomes more vinous as it warms.
Smell is just a punch to the tastebuds. Sweet and vinous to start, it then proceeds to absolutely fuck with your expectations. Coffee, licorice and fudge is mixed in with fruit and some hints of sweet white wine and port. The flavors mingle and intertwine into a spectacular end result, whih is unlike anything I've had. Just amazing.
Mouthfeel is thick and oily, well carbonated.
Overall, this is one of the best and most unique stouts I've ever had. I loved the spectrum of flavors coming together and the fact that it's totally bonkers, but still works.
Jul 17, 2018
4.66/5 rDev +7.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Pours thick and jet black with some chocolate colored foam.
Smell s sweet and fruity with hints of coffee, licorice and some soy sauce. Becomes more vinous as it warms.
Smell is just a punch to the tastebuds. Sweet and vinous to start, it then proceeds to absolutely fuck with your expectations. Coffee, licorice and fudge is mixed in with fruit and some hints of sweet white wine and port. The flavors mingle and intertwine into a spectacular end result, whih is unlike anything I've had. Just amazing.
Mouthfeel is thick and oily, well carbonated.
Overall, this is one of the best and most unique stouts I've ever had. I loved the spectrum of flavors coming together and the fact that it's totally bonkers, but still works.
Jul 17, 2018
Beersnake1 from California
4.15/5 rDev -4.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured from fridge temp into a snifter. Pours jet black with quickly dissipating head. The nose immediately reminds me of those chocolate orange balls that you break into slices. Really nice and decadent. Picking some really nice black licorice and some nice roasted malts. Sweet red grapes are there as well. Very inviting. Taste is really sweet up front, and musty on the back end. Definitely getting some bitter chocolate in the middle. Oranges are very prominent, along with smooth black licorice. A smoky taste is laced throughout. The flavors are complex, and at times seem like an odd combination. Curious what some age would do to this. Mouthfeel is thick and creamy, and the alcohol is detectable. Overall, a great stout with some interesting flavors. Not sure if I would buy this again though.
Jun 17, 2018
4.15/5 rDev -4.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured from fridge temp into a snifter. Pours jet black with quickly dissipating head. The nose immediately reminds me of those chocolate orange balls that you break into slices. Really nice and decadent. Picking some really nice black licorice and some nice roasted malts. Sweet red grapes are there as well. Very inviting. Taste is really sweet up front, and musty on the back end. Definitely getting some bitter chocolate in the middle. Oranges are very prominent, along with smooth black licorice. A smoky taste is laced throughout. The flavors are complex, and at times seem like an odd combination. Curious what some age would do to this. Mouthfeel is thick and creamy, and the alcohol is detectable. Overall, a great stout with some interesting flavors. Not sure if I would buy this again though.
Jun 17, 2018
captaincoffee from Virginia
4/5 rDev -7.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
On tap at Mother Kelly's Vauxhall. Pours near black with a think thin head that tells you this is a big beer. Nose is not as big as expected, but the beer was served quite cold and it expanded nicely as it warmed. Some spiced hot chocolate coming through along with the expected roasty notes. Flavor brings some liquorice and some medium roasted and cocoa notes. Aside from maybe some anise, I'm not getting much of the figs, orange, grape, etc that was supposedly thrown in this beer. Just a solid imperial stout (a big one at that).
Apr 22, 2018
4/5 rDev -7.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
On tap at Mother Kelly's Vauxhall. Pours near black with a think thin head that tells you this is a big beer. Nose is not as big as expected, but the beer was served quite cold and it expanded nicely as it warmed. Some spiced hot chocolate coming through along with the expected roasty notes. Flavor brings some liquorice and some medium roasted and cocoa notes. Aside from maybe some anise, I'm not getting much of the figs, orange, grape, etc that was supposedly thrown in this beer. Just a solid imperial stout (a big one at that).
Apr 22, 2018
ItaloBänger from Põhjala Brewery
Beer rating:
93 out of
100 with
26 ratings
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