Cinnamon Roll Imperial Ale
Southern Tier Brewing Company
Beer Geek Stats:
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- Style:
- Herb and Spice Beer
Ranked #3 - ABV:
- 8.6%
- Score:
- 89
Ranked #6,486 - Avg:
- 4.04 | pDev: 10.4%
- Reviews:
- 75
- Ratings:
- From:
- Southern Tier Brewing Company
- New York, United States
- Avail:
- Rotating/Seasonal
- Wants
- 10
- Gots
- 58
SCORE
89
Very Good
89
Very Good
Notes:
The scent of our brewery on brew days is irresistible. Akin to the morning’s first brewed batch of perfectly roasted coffee, the aromas envelope you and cause the corners of your lips to curl into the slightest unconscious smile. In this brew, lightly toasted malts with subtly spicy hops blend into cinnamon flavors and creamy lactose sugar. Their coalescence is so uncannily close to fresh baked cinnamon rolls that it was impossible to name this beer anything other than Cinnamon Roll Imperial Ale! Pairs perfectly with eggs benedict at brunch, after dinner, or next to the fire for an unforgettable nightcap.
Reviews: 75
| Ratings: 238
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Reviews by Hunamaga:
Hunamaga from New York
4.58/5 rDev +13.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
Appearance is reddish-brown, with slight off-white head.
Smells of cinnamon, sweet icing, some caramel.
Tastes just like a cinnamon bun. Cinnamon is overpowering at first but followed by sweet vanilla icing and lactose sugar. Some minimal hop bitterness.
Feel is medium, a little cloying at times but alcohol is well hidden.
Dec 06, 2018
4.58/5 rDev +13.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
Appearance is reddish-brown, with slight off-white head.
Smells of cinnamon, sweet icing, some caramel.
Tastes just like a cinnamon bun. Cinnamon is overpowering at first but followed by sweet vanilla icing and lactose sugar. Some minimal hop bitterness.
Feel is medium, a little cloying at times but alcohol is well hidden.
Dec 06, 2018
More User Reviews:
teromous from Virginia
3.52/5 rDev -12.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
The top left of the front label says: "DOB 10/10/17 09:58AM"
Appearance: The body of the beer is a dark brown color and it has a short off-white head. The head fades pretty quickly leaving only a ring.
Aroma: There is an aroma that smells just like red hots or atomic fireballs.
Taste: The beer has a strong cinnamon flavor up front which is followed by a slightly toasted character with a touch of burnt sugar and charcoal. The burnt character gives it a touch of bitterness which also does taste a bit like the caramelized and burnt sugars found on a cinnamon roll. All-in-all the beer tastes much more like a red hot candy or atomic fireball than an actual food item made with real cinnamon.
Mouthfeel: There is just a touch of heat from this beer and just a hint of bitterness. It has a medium body and it is very easy to drink. It finishes wet but never sweet.
Overall: it's an interesting beer that has flavors which approximate the "Cinnamon Roll" namesake, but tastes a lot more like cinnamon candy. If you are a fan on cinnamon candy then this is right up your alley. It has somewhat of a toasted flavor but it really lacks that toasty, bready malt character that can be found in many other beers. I would recommend it because it does have a lot of flavor, but again, it should be noted that it tastes more like red hots.
Nov 05, 2017
3.52/5 rDev -12.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
The top left of the front label says: "DOB 10/10/17 09:58AM"
Appearance: The body of the beer is a dark brown color and it has a short off-white head. The head fades pretty quickly leaving only a ring.
Aroma: There is an aroma that smells just like red hots or atomic fireballs.
Taste: The beer has a strong cinnamon flavor up front which is followed by a slightly toasted character with a touch of burnt sugar and charcoal. The burnt character gives it a touch of bitterness which also does taste a bit like the caramelized and burnt sugars found on a cinnamon roll. All-in-all the beer tastes much more like a red hot candy or atomic fireball than an actual food item made with real cinnamon.
Mouthfeel: There is just a touch of heat from this beer and just a hint of bitterness. It has a medium body and it is very easy to drink. It finishes wet but never sweet.
Overall: it's an interesting beer that has flavors which approximate the "Cinnamon Roll" namesake, but tastes a lot more like cinnamon candy. If you are a fan on cinnamon candy then this is right up your alley. It has somewhat of a toasted flavor but it really lacks that toasty, bready malt character that can be found in many other beers. I would recommend it because it does have a lot of flavor, but again, it should be noted that it tastes more like red hots.
Nov 05, 2017
StonedTrippin from Colorado
4.13/5 rDev +2.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
you have to like this sort of thing, but man oh man this is unique. southern tier has a long and impressive history of making strongly flavored, extremely delicious, and highly desserty beers, and this is a great continuation of that trajectory. it is not inspired by or modeled on a cinnamon roll, it literally is a liquid one, a truly unique and incredible beer right here, whether or not you like it, you have to respect it. it pours a lightly bubbly caramel to deep red color, lazy looking and rich, but the nose is the best feature hands down. the cinnamon is so intense, but its not hot or spicy or anything like that, its natural still though, just cooked, or rather baked and warming, with some toffee, caramel, and caramelized brown sugar notes as well. i even get the buttery pastry bit and the confectioners sugar based glaze or icing on the top, its all there, it makes me hungry, and literally smells exactly like a cinnamon roll, hardly like a beer at all. this all translates to the flavor really well, the sweet desserty cinnamon and the bready roll parts are there for sure, i cant believe how intense this is though, like, even after a few sips it gets to be a lot. its too high quality to be a novelty, but i cant imagine drinking more than half a bottle or so, its that rich and sweet and heavy feeling, amazing to taste and sip on for a little while, but it isnt sustainable. they were smart to go with the little bottles on this one, a bomber, even for two or three dudes, would be way too much, at least i think so. i really enjoyed this though, and have never seen anything like it. really impressive commitment to the cinnamon roll flavor, they absolutely nailed it. this will be a fun one to have around holiday tables this season!
Nov 20, 2017
4.13/5 rDev +2.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
you have to like this sort of thing, but man oh man this is unique. southern tier has a long and impressive history of making strongly flavored, extremely delicious, and highly desserty beers, and this is a great continuation of that trajectory. it is not inspired by or modeled on a cinnamon roll, it literally is a liquid one, a truly unique and incredible beer right here, whether or not you like it, you have to respect it. it pours a lightly bubbly caramel to deep red color, lazy looking and rich, but the nose is the best feature hands down. the cinnamon is so intense, but its not hot or spicy or anything like that, its natural still though, just cooked, or rather baked and warming, with some toffee, caramel, and caramelized brown sugar notes as well. i even get the buttery pastry bit and the confectioners sugar based glaze or icing on the top, its all there, it makes me hungry, and literally smells exactly like a cinnamon roll, hardly like a beer at all. this all translates to the flavor really well, the sweet desserty cinnamon and the bready roll parts are there for sure, i cant believe how intense this is though, like, even after a few sips it gets to be a lot. its too high quality to be a novelty, but i cant imagine drinking more than half a bottle or so, its that rich and sweet and heavy feeling, amazing to taste and sip on for a little while, but it isnt sustainable. they were smart to go with the little bottles on this one, a bomber, even for two or three dudes, would be way too much, at least i think so. i really enjoyed this though, and have never seen anything like it. really impressive commitment to the cinnamon roll flavor, they absolutely nailed it. this will be a fun one to have around holiday tables this season!
Nov 20, 2017
MikeWard from Pennsylvania
4.28/5 rDev +5.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
22oz bottle into a pint glass. bottled 10/10/17, so 2 months old.
looks brown and dark in the glass, but when held up to the light, is a deep amber color. the head is tan and small, eventually dissipating to a faint cover and solid ring.
Well they nailed the nose on this one, as ST often does with their dessert beers. smells exactly like fresh cinnamon rolls, minus the heat.
taste is loads of cinnamon, but it's not harsh, bitter, or hot, as some other cinnamon beers tend to be. This palate is enjoying this.
mouth is close to full, cinnamon and slightly sweet on the finish.
overall, an enjoyable beer to sip over an evening. 8.3abv is quite well hidden. I doubt i could drink anything else tonight, and close to the end, I was beginning to tire of the cinnamon, so perhaps a 12oz would have been better.
Dec 11, 2017
4.28/5 rDev +5.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
22oz bottle into a pint glass. bottled 10/10/17, so 2 months old.
looks brown and dark in the glass, but when held up to the light, is a deep amber color. the head is tan and small, eventually dissipating to a faint cover and solid ring.
Well they nailed the nose on this one, as ST often does with their dessert beers. smells exactly like fresh cinnamon rolls, minus the heat.
taste is loads of cinnamon, but it's not harsh, bitter, or hot, as some other cinnamon beers tend to be. This palate is enjoying this.
mouth is close to full, cinnamon and slightly sweet on the finish.
overall, an enjoyable beer to sip over an evening. 8.3abv is quite well hidden. I doubt i could drink anything else tonight, and close to the end, I was beginning to tire of the cinnamon, so perhaps a 12oz would have been better.
Dec 11, 2017
BeerAndGasMasks from Virginia
3.71/5 rDev -8.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
From the bottle, it pours a dark ruby amber with a modest head that soon diminishes to a nice ring. Tons of cinnamon in the nose...and mouth. Malty otherwise with hints of brown sugar. Personally, I think the cinnamon is overwhelming the other flavors, just beware of it and you will not be unhappy.
Nov 28, 2017
3.71/5 rDev -8.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
From the bottle, it pours a dark ruby amber with a modest head that soon diminishes to a nice ring. Tons of cinnamon in the nose...and mouth. Malty otherwise with hints of brown sugar. Personally, I think the cinnamon is overwhelming the other flavors, just beware of it and you will not be unhappy.
Nov 28, 2017
dsa7783 from New Jersey
4.11/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
On tap at Morris Tap and Grill in Randolph. Pours a tawny ruddy hue with moderate frothing. Assertive aroma replete with hints of cinnamon and clove. Similar overall flavor profile.
Feb 10, 2018
4.11/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
On tap at Morris Tap and Grill in Randolph. Pours a tawny ruddy hue with moderate frothing. Assertive aroma replete with hints of cinnamon and clove. Similar overall flavor profile.
Feb 10, 2018
clayrock81 from Florida
4/5 rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured a brown body with two-finger head that quickly died. Overpowering cinnamon aroma with some spiciness and bread as well. Pretty much a liquid cinnamon roll; cinnamon spice is strong and the beer borders on cloying with the sugary sweetness pretty strong and beer has a fuller, bready body with a slightly sticky and thick finish.
Nov 09, 2017
4/5 rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured a brown body with two-finger head that quickly died. Overpowering cinnamon aroma with some spiciness and bread as well. Pretty much a liquid cinnamon roll; cinnamon spice is strong and the beer borders on cloying with the sugary sweetness pretty strong and beer has a fuller, bready body with a slightly sticky and thick finish.
Nov 09, 2017
avalon07 from South Carolina
4.04/5 rDev 0%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
L: Poured from a bottle to a pint glass. Had a dark, mahogany brown color and a thick, opaque consistency. There was a quarter inch of foamy, off white, fairly long-lasting head. Not much lacing to speak of.
S: An enticing aroma of cinnamon, malt, hops, lactose, and dark fruit.
T: Tasted of a bit of malt (not overly present), a ton of cinnamon (always present), some lactose (mostly in the finish), a little dark fruit (raisins), and a tinge of caramel as well. You can call this a one-note flavor - it kind of is - but it's still tasty. That being said, the other ingredients make good companions to it. Tasty stuff.
F: A solid amount of carbonation with a sharp finish. Medium-bodied.
O: A solidly made, unusual beer. Definitely worth a look.
Jul 26, 2018
4.04/5 rDev 0%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
L: Poured from a bottle to a pint glass. Had a dark, mahogany brown color and a thick, opaque consistency. There was a quarter inch of foamy, off white, fairly long-lasting head. Not much lacing to speak of.
S: An enticing aroma of cinnamon, malt, hops, lactose, and dark fruit.
T: Tasted of a bit of malt (not overly present), a ton of cinnamon (always present), some lactose (mostly in the finish), a little dark fruit (raisins), and a tinge of caramel as well. You can call this a one-note flavor - it kind of is - but it's still tasty. That being said, the other ingredients make good companions to it. Tasty stuff.
F: A solid amount of carbonation with a sharp finish. Medium-bodied.
O: A solidly made, unusual beer. Definitely worth a look.
Jul 26, 2018
einman from Minnesota
3.83/5 rDev -5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Dec 22, 2019
3.83/5 rDev -5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Dec 22, 2019
PathofChaos from Maryland
4.15/5 rDev +2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
Appearance:
Pours a brownish amber hue, the color of cinnamon syrup. Minimal head but lots of bubbles.
Bouquet:
Like walking past a Cinnabon bakery. Warm cinnamon, sweet caramel and cream, and an almost illusory presence of vanilla.
Taste:
Cinnamon comes searing to the top like a fireball candy. What follows is sticky sweet caramel, hints of maple, vanilla, and cloves.
Feel:
Medium bodied, moderate carbonation, tingly warmth, and a creamy mouthfeel in the aftertaste.
Overall:
At first the cinnamon was positively overwhelming, so I let the rest of the 4-pack age for 3 months. Aging it mellowed out that burning cinnamon and allowed the backstage elements to come forward. I suggest you do the same for optimal enjoyment.
Dec 25, 2019
4.15/5 rDev +2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
Appearance:
Pours a brownish amber hue, the color of cinnamon syrup. Minimal head but lots of bubbles.
Bouquet:
Like walking past a Cinnabon bakery. Warm cinnamon, sweet caramel and cream, and an almost illusory presence of vanilla.
Taste:
Cinnamon comes searing to the top like a fireball candy. What follows is sticky sweet caramel, hints of maple, vanilla, and cloves.
Feel:
Medium bodied, moderate carbonation, tingly warmth, and a creamy mouthfeel in the aftertaste.
Overall:
At first the cinnamon was positively overwhelming, so I let the rest of the 4-pack age for 3 months. Aging it mellowed out that burning cinnamon and allowed the backstage elements to come forward. I suggest you do the same for optimal enjoyment.
Dec 25, 2019
generallee from Virginia
4.53/5 rDev +12.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Dec 15, 2018
4.53/5 rDev +12.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Dec 15, 2018
billab914 from Virginia
3.92/5 rDev -3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Nov 05, 2017
3.92/5 rDev -3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Nov 05, 2017
tigg924 from Massachusetts
4.89/5 rDev +21%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Pours clear, dark brown in color with 1/3 inch head. A gooey cinnamon treat in a glass...You get all of it..Big cinnamon, sweet roll and amazing glaze..Southern Tier makes excellent dessert beers. This is up there with their best...Certainly one of the best smelling beers I have had...If you like cinnamon rolls, this one delivers.
Oct 23, 2017
4.89/5 rDev +21%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Pours clear, dark brown in color with 1/3 inch head. A gooey cinnamon treat in a glass...You get all of it..Big cinnamon, sweet roll and amazing glaze..Southern Tier makes excellent dessert beers. This is up there with their best...Certainly one of the best smelling beers I have had...If you like cinnamon rolls, this one delivers.
Oct 23, 2017
kkmiller76 from New Jersey
4.02/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Nov 29, 2018
4.02/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Nov 29, 2018
goblue3509 from Pennsylvania
3.94/5 rDev -2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Jan 05, 2019
3.94/5 rDev -2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Jan 05, 2019
cindiwindi1025 from Michigan
5/5 rDev +23.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Nov 11, 2018
5/5 rDev +23.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Nov 11, 2018
TheEpeeist from Pennsylvania
4.09/5 rDev +1.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Nov 17, 2017
4.09/5 rDev +1.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Nov 17, 2017
jaydoc from Kansas
4.03/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Nov 24, 2017
4.03/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Nov 24, 2017
EMV from Pennsylvania
2.93/5 rDev -27.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5
Poured from a tall bottle into a Dogfish Head tulip
L: Hazed copper pour with 2 fingers of off-white head. Nice lacing.
S: Apple cinnamon and spice. Sweet... smells like a cinnamon roll.
T.F: Cloying and sweet. Kind of nauseating... strong cinnamon. Apple, spice, and lactose/sweet. Did I mention that it's sweet? Awful sweet... and nearly undrinkable. Medium bodied... sticky on the tongue. More cinnamon (complete with cinnamon belches) at the finish.
O: I'd rate this lower, but I'm guessing this is what they were going for. I found this to be undrinkable (and the last 1/3 of the pour wound up in the drain). If you like super sweet things with cinnamon this might be for you. As for me... never again.
Oct 06, 2019
2.93/5 rDev -27.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5
Poured from a tall bottle into a Dogfish Head tulip
L: Hazed copper pour with 2 fingers of off-white head. Nice lacing.
S: Apple cinnamon and spice. Sweet... smells like a cinnamon roll.
T.F: Cloying and sweet. Kind of nauseating... strong cinnamon. Apple, spice, and lactose/sweet. Did I mention that it's sweet? Awful sweet... and nearly undrinkable. Medium bodied... sticky on the tongue. More cinnamon (complete with cinnamon belches) at the finish.
O: I'd rate this lower, but I'm guessing this is what they were going for. I found this to be undrinkable (and the last 1/3 of the pour wound up in the drain). If you like super sweet things with cinnamon this might be for you. As for me... never again.
Oct 06, 2019
rfgetz from New Jersey
3.91/5 rDev -3.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Dec 04, 2017
3.91/5 rDev -3.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Dec 04, 2017
TonyLema1 from South Carolina
3.83/5 rDev -5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
L: murky brown, thin tan head, very little lacing
S: cinnamon jumps out at you
T: cinnamon and caramel notes
F: good mouthfeel
O: not as sweet as expected, cinnamon there, but not overpowering
Feb 25, 2018
3.83/5 rDev -5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
L: murky brown, thin tan head, very little lacing
S: cinnamon jumps out at you
T: cinnamon and caramel notes
F: good mouthfeel
O: not as sweet as expected, cinnamon there, but not overpowering
Feb 25, 2018
TheFightfan1 from Pennsylvania
4.24/5 rDev +5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Dec 23, 2017
4.24/5 rDev +5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Dec 23, 2017
atlbravsrno1 from New Hampshire
4/5 rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Nov 11, 2017
4/5 rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Nov 11, 2017
Rifugium from North Dakota
3.54/5 rDev -12.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
Jan 19, 2019
3.54/5 rDev -12.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
Jan 19, 2019
KAP1356 from Pennsylvania
3.79/5 rDev -6.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Dec 04, 2017
3.79/5 rDev -6.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Dec 04, 2017
Cinnamon Roll Imperial Ale from Southern Tier Brewing Company
Beer rating:
89 out of
100 with
238 ratings
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