Imperial Coffee Stout
Border Brewing Company

Pours black with half a finger of khaki foam and fizz on top. Head retention is shy of good, with no lacing left behind. Aroma is medium-dark roasted coffee and dark chocolate over roasted and toasted malts. Flavor profile brings an even stronger display of coffee, which is more of a medium-roast. It has a milk chocolate finish, which is decadent and smooth. Roasted and toasted malts support the coffee shop flavors, and don't carry any bitterness. Mouth feel is medium in thickness with a texture that sips with a velvety smoothness, and a slight watery-thin edge. This consistency makes it incredibly easy to gulp, and yet gives it just enough of a presence to be a wonderful winter beer. Overall, while the aroma may be slacking a bit, but the flavor profile delivers exactly what the name would suggest. The complete package is well put together, with the flavor and feel being the strong suits.

Served in a 12oz snifter from a 22oz bottle.

Draft sample at the brewery.
Jet black with a compact later of tan foam on the surface, minimal spotty lace.
Big coffee aroma, bitter espresso and high cacao dark chocolate.
Rich coffee taste, intense and flavorful, chocolate, coffee, and roast malt intertwine well.
Medium bodied and easily drinkable, hides the ABV well. A great beer, would get again.