Meristem
FERMÆNTRA

 

 

 

From the tap at the brewery in a 10 oz snifter...

L: Thick and opaque color of molasses with a small tan, frothy head; a impressive looking brew

S: Incredibly inviting aroma of molasses, caramel, rich vanilla, maple, dates, and chocolate

T: Outstanding amount of flavor here; the ride starts with vanilla and toasted nut, with rich notes of black licorice and raisin before an espresso bite that's also a little smoky; all of this with a nice warming undertone of booze; finish is a little on the bitter side

M: This is a thick, chewy beer, which is perfect for the style and the layers of flavor involved

O: This is not a typical imperial stout, and for the better, as Meristem has a more unique flavor profile than most; it's a complex beer that I don't think everyone will love, but it's one of the best beers I've had in 2015

 

 

 

 

the first time i had this beer, the night they opened, or the second night, whatever it was, i really couldnt stand it. it seemed thin and hotly alcoholic, unimpressive to say the least, but last night it was tasting fantastic. they must have improved the recipe or gotten their process dialed in, because this is drinking excellently well right now. nice coffee colored molten frothing head on it, and inky dark brown shine to the beer. it has a cool dried fruit thing going on in the middle, like a chocolate covered raisin, thats it! thats exactly what i taste in the center of this beer. the booze has been brought in under control from where it was before, and the whole thing has a rather mellow vibe to it. gone is that weird medicine taste too, i love the smoothness of the roast, the hints of chicory and campfire, and it gets better and better as it warms up. a radically different experience from the first time i had this. sometimes the new guys need a little time to get things sorted out. it appears, in this beer at least, that the time has come for these guys. very very well done russian imperial. the chocolate raisin thing makes it for me.