Imperial Smells Like Bean Spirit
Mikerphone Brewing
Beer Geek Stats
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- From:
- Mikerphone Brewing
- Illinois, United States
- Style:
- Stout - American Imperial
Ranked #211 - ABV:
- 10.75%
- Score:
- 97
Ranked #575 - Avg:
- 4.41 | pDev: 6.12%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Mar 05, 2022
- Added:
- Feb 10, 2016
- Wants:
- 42
- Gots:
- 28
SCORE
97
World-Class
97
World-Class
Notes:
Imperial breakfast stout with Vermont maple syrup and Tugboat Coffee Roasters' Super Sumatra Mandheling blend.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
4.48 by bigpoppa67 from Wisconsin on Mar 05, 2022
4.32 by GreenMind from Pennsylvania on Jan 18, 2022
4.33 by bschmidt_37 from Illinois on Jan 17, 2022
4.47 by HabaJohnTheReal1 from Illinois on Aug 07, 2021
4.08/5 rDev -7.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by clayrock81 from Florida
Poured a black body with large khaki head and minimal lace around glass. Aroma is mostly maple syrup with roasted coffee notes underneath it. A dry, roasted coffee beer that is thick and slightly sticky with well-hidden booze. The coffee aspects are balanced with a strong maple syrup stickiness that ends overtaking the coffee on finish as beer finishes slightly sweet.
Oct 09, 2020
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by clayrock81 from Florida
Poured a black body with large khaki head and minimal lace around glass. Aroma is mostly maple syrup with roasted coffee notes underneath it. A dry, roasted coffee beer that is thick and slightly sticky with well-hidden booze. The coffee aspects are balanced with a strong maple syrup stickiness that ends overtaking the coffee on finish as beer finishes slightly sweet.
Oct 09, 2020
4/5 rDev -9.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by stevoj from Idaho
16oz can from Tavour. Black and flat, still. Aroma is coffee, accents of maple, roast malts. Taste is more coffee, sweetness, maple syrup. Finishes with coffee bitterness. Sticky, mouth coating.
Oct 05, 2020
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by stevoj from Idaho
16oz can from Tavour. Black and flat, still. Aroma is coffee, accents of maple, roast malts. Taste is more coffee, sweetness, maple syrup. Finishes with coffee bitterness. Sticky, mouth coating.
Oct 05, 2020
4.39 by Nunya from Ohio on Oct 04, 2020
4.34/5 rDev -1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by brewskis from Indiana
Pours pitch black with some viscosity. Produces a finger of a creamy dark mocha head that sticks around for a bit and leaves behind a thick ring of lacing.
Aroma hits you with rich maple syrup and dark gourmet coffee. As you dive in deeper, you come across some coffee acidity, dark berry, dark chocolate, bittersweet chocolate chip, roasted malt, caramel, slight vanilla, and brown sugar. The roast of the base stout and coffee balances out the maple sweetness nicely.
Taste follows the aroma well. Layers of maple syrup are there throughout, but the Sumatra coffee, which is a bold and dark blend, balances it out wonderfully to where the beer never gets too sweet. Roasted malt, coffee acidity, and dark chocolate also contribute to this balance. The sweetness is not only coming from the maple, but notes of caramel and brown sugar contribute as well. As it warms, layers of fudge brownie and bittersweet chocolate chip emerge. Tastes like chocolate chip pancakes with butter and maple syrup with a side cup of coffee.
High medium body. Coats the palate. Creamy, silky, slick, oily. Carbonation cuts through a bit.
Whenever I come across this beer or it’s variants, I typically pull the trigger. Just an outstanding breakfast stout that has depth, complexity, and balance. It never gets too sweet with the maple, which can be an issue for beers like this. Really well done.
Oct 03, 2020
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by brewskis from Indiana
Pours pitch black with some viscosity. Produces a finger of a creamy dark mocha head that sticks around for a bit and leaves behind a thick ring of lacing.
Aroma hits you with rich maple syrup and dark gourmet coffee. As you dive in deeper, you come across some coffee acidity, dark berry, dark chocolate, bittersweet chocolate chip, roasted malt, caramel, slight vanilla, and brown sugar. The roast of the base stout and coffee balances out the maple sweetness nicely.
Taste follows the aroma well. Layers of maple syrup are there throughout, but the Sumatra coffee, which is a bold and dark blend, balances it out wonderfully to where the beer never gets too sweet. Roasted malt, coffee acidity, and dark chocolate also contribute to this balance. The sweetness is not only coming from the maple, but notes of caramel and brown sugar contribute as well. As it warms, layers of fudge brownie and bittersweet chocolate chip emerge. Tastes like chocolate chip pancakes with butter and maple syrup with a side cup of coffee.
High medium body. Coats the palate. Creamy, silky, slick, oily. Carbonation cuts through a bit.
Whenever I come across this beer or it’s variants, I typically pull the trigger. Just an outstanding breakfast stout that has depth, complexity, and balance. It never gets too sweet with the maple, which can be an issue for beers like this. Really well done.
Oct 03, 2020
4.25 by ilikebeer03 from Texas on Sep 03, 2020
4.48/5 rDev +1.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by firesidewithphil from Illinois
The Imperial Smells Like Bean Spirit trio starts off with the original. This one is best described as a maple coated espresso bean. You smell waffles and I believe this is the definition of a true breakfast stout. Add some toast and coffee and you are good to go.
IG: @firesidewithphil
Aug 23, 2020
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by firesidewithphil from Illinois
The Imperial Smells Like Bean Spirit trio starts off with the original. This one is best described as a maple coated espresso bean. You smell waffles and I believe this is the definition of a true breakfast stout. Add some toast and coffee and you are good to go.
IG: @firesidewithphil
Aug 23, 2020
4.44 by Eyedoc27 from Illinois on Aug 23, 2020
4.44 by Gregf51 from Ohio on Aug 17, 2020
4.25/5 rDev -3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by kevanb from Illinois
750ml bottle, undated but presumed fresh, poured into a stemless wine glass.
The beer pours out with a thick and viscous texture, jet black with a finger of khaki head that has moderate retention, little lacing but a nice ring appears around the circumference of the glass easily resummoning the aromatic head. The aroma is quite pleasant, lovely coffee roast, rich and decadent with a nice fruity acidity that brings out layers of dark chocolate, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, caramel and stone fruits with a hearty dark grain character as well. The flavors are lovely, massive focus on the adjuncts, excellent rich maple character, tons and tons of coffee, nicely roasted with a smooth and creamy cold brew flavor that accentuates the brownie batter chocolate flavors in the beer while the grains are more toasty and forward while a nice dark fruit and caramel finish lingers. The mouthfeel is great, coating, creamy, super smooth and rich medium body, not too heavy but just enough heft with a lightly dry finish.
Verdict: A very good adjunct forward stout from Mikerphone. Tons of maple, tons of coffee as advertised but it's all resting atop an excellent roasty stout base that is super smooth and drinkable.
Jul 02, 2020
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by kevanb from Illinois
750ml bottle, undated but presumed fresh, poured into a stemless wine glass.
The beer pours out with a thick and viscous texture, jet black with a finger of khaki head that has moderate retention, little lacing but a nice ring appears around the circumference of the glass easily resummoning the aromatic head. The aroma is quite pleasant, lovely coffee roast, rich and decadent with a nice fruity acidity that brings out layers of dark chocolate, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, caramel and stone fruits with a hearty dark grain character as well. The flavors are lovely, massive focus on the adjuncts, excellent rich maple character, tons and tons of coffee, nicely roasted with a smooth and creamy cold brew flavor that accentuates the brownie batter chocolate flavors in the beer while the grains are more toasty and forward while a nice dark fruit and caramel finish lingers. The mouthfeel is great, coating, creamy, super smooth and rich medium body, not too heavy but just enough heft with a lightly dry finish.
Verdict: A very good adjunct forward stout from Mikerphone. Tons of maple, tons of coffee as advertised but it's all resting atop an excellent roasty stout base that is super smooth and drinkable.
Jul 02, 2020
4.71/5 rDev +6.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
by mushroomcloud from Texas
25.4oz bottle with no visible date - 10% abv. Opened 5-17-20.
Review #1,000.
Short lived mocha head on a jet black imperial stout.
The head settles in as a thin ring and leaves some wispy, spotty lacing.
Rich maple and chocolate fudge nose.
Coffee is a supporting aroma - smooth, bold bean and maybe a chicory root note.
Some high tone booze under all other aromas.
Chocolate - bitter dark but also fudge and also dry cocoa powder all at the same time! Maple and molasses. Coffee, similar to the aroma, isn't dominant but plays a great supporting role. Chicory root-like bitterness is a good foil for the maple sweetness. Great fudge brownie like flavor that I'm enjoying.
Full body with a smooth, velvety mouthfeel. There's heat from the 10% - perceptible but minimal. Rich, semi-sweet long finish. Delicious and very easy to drink even at a high abv.
Outstanding to World Class.
May 17, 2020
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
by mushroomcloud from Texas
25.4oz bottle with no visible date - 10% abv. Opened 5-17-20.
Review #1,000.
Short lived mocha head on a jet black imperial stout.
The head settles in as a thin ring and leaves some wispy, spotty lacing.
Rich maple and chocolate fudge nose.
Coffee is a supporting aroma - smooth, bold bean and maybe a chicory root note.
Some high tone booze under all other aromas.
Chocolate - bitter dark but also fudge and also dry cocoa powder all at the same time! Maple and molasses. Coffee, similar to the aroma, isn't dominant but plays a great supporting role. Chicory root-like bitterness is a good foil for the maple sweetness. Great fudge brownie like flavor that I'm enjoying.
Full body with a smooth, velvety mouthfeel. There's heat from the 10% - perceptible but minimal. Rich, semi-sweet long finish. Delicious and very easy to drink even at a high abv.
Outstanding to World Class.
May 17, 2020
4.85/5 rDev +10%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by BourbonForBeer from Illinois
It's incredible, very very tasty. Great coffee with maple syrup, the smell is incredible! One of my favorite beers, similar to KBBS but a different maple spectrum. (imo) it's a must try, great fresh or with a few months of age on it. It's all around great!
May 13, 2020
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by BourbonForBeer from Illinois
It's incredible, very very tasty. Great coffee with maple syrup, the smell is incredible! One of my favorite beers, similar to KBBS but a different maple spectrum. (imo) it's a must try, great fresh or with a few months of age on it. It's all around great!
May 13, 2020
4.23 by mig100 from Texas on May 11, 2020
3.76 by ruzzal from Texas on Apr 20, 2020
4.35/5 rDev -1.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
by Bshaw22 from Wisconsin
If you like maple syrup this is your jam.
Big maple all over. Nice brown head. Flavor has very little imperial stout character.
Lots of coffee and maple. Easy to drink for what it is.
Split the bottle 3 ways. That’s about all I need
Apr 18, 2020
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
by Bshaw22 from Wisconsin
If you like maple syrup this is your jam.
Big maple all over. Nice brown head. Flavor has very little imperial stout character.
Lots of coffee and maple. Easy to drink for what it is.
Split the bottle 3 ways. That’s about all I need
Apr 18, 2020
4.5 by Nichols33 from Massachusetts on Jan 27, 2020
4.17/5 rDev -5.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by thebeers from Pennsylvania
Pours a rich, chocolatey color that’s very close to black with two fingers of dark mocha foam head. Solid retention for the ABV, but minimal lacing.
Big maple in the aroma with clear chocolate and coffee as well. Hints of chicory, gentian root and cherry cola if you really study it, as well as a whiff of alcohol.
The taste follows fairly closely with chocolate, maple, coffee, slightly-ashy / charred wood, and some hidden depth from root-like flavors. It has a very nice sweet maple finish with just a little coffee bitterness for balance.
Relatively full bodied and creamy, without going over the top, coupled with some fizzy carbonation just cutting through.
This is one of the more maple-forward beers I’ve had, but the slight char, as well as the coffee, provide a great balance that keep it enjoyable throughout.
Sep 22, 2019
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by thebeers from Pennsylvania
Pours a rich, chocolatey color that’s very close to black with two fingers of dark mocha foam head. Solid retention for the ABV, but minimal lacing.
Big maple in the aroma with clear chocolate and coffee as well. Hints of chicory, gentian root and cherry cola if you really study it, as well as a whiff of alcohol.
The taste follows fairly closely with chocolate, maple, coffee, slightly-ashy / charred wood, and some hidden depth from root-like flavors. It has a very nice sweet maple finish with just a little coffee bitterness for balance.
Relatively full bodied and creamy, without going over the top, coupled with some fizzy carbonation just cutting through.
This is one of the more maple-forward beers I’ve had, but the slight char, as well as the coffee, provide a great balance that keep it enjoyable throughout.
Sep 22, 2019
4.59 by Wisconsin_IPA_Lover from Wisconsin on Jun 29, 2019
4.53 by Rammed96 from Maryland on Jun 04, 2019
4.7/5 rDev +6.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
by maximum12 from Minnesota
This is the first Mikerphone beer that’s shown up on the MN/WI border that I’ve seen. Jazzed to take up this 12 oz. can & knock another brew off my wants list.
Black & sweaty, with a head that’s shy & doesn’t last long. Nose is a short cup of coffee with a liberal addition of maple syrup & brown sugar. Not bad.
Imperial Smells Like Bean Spirit tastes like breakfast in Mac’s Café in Bagley, MN. Prominent roast is mixed evenly with rich, sweet maple syrup to create an experience that whispers “breakfast” silkily into one’s ear. In addition there’s an exquisite creaminess that leaks lactose & vanilla, with a depth to the rich malt that’s hard to fathom (hahaha!). So drinkyble.
This is, if I may double up on a word used previously, exquisite. The maple is masterfully woven into the roast & malt. The bottom line is that now I want to try every variant of this. Magnificent beer.
May 28, 2019
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
by maximum12 from Minnesota
This is the first Mikerphone beer that’s shown up on the MN/WI border that I’ve seen. Jazzed to take up this 12 oz. can & knock another brew off my wants list.
Black & sweaty, with a head that’s shy & doesn’t last long. Nose is a short cup of coffee with a liberal addition of maple syrup & brown sugar. Not bad.
Imperial Smells Like Bean Spirit tastes like breakfast in Mac’s Café in Bagley, MN. Prominent roast is mixed evenly with rich, sweet maple syrup to create an experience that whispers “breakfast” silkily into one’s ear. In addition there’s an exquisite creaminess that leaks lactose & vanilla, with a depth to the rich malt that’s hard to fathom (hahaha!). So drinkyble.
This is, if I may double up on a word used previously, exquisite. The maple is masterfully woven into the roast & malt. The bottom line is that now I want to try every variant of this. Magnificent beer.
May 28, 2019
4.45/5 rDev +0.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by SD-Alefan from South Dakota
Pours a deep brown with a plentiful dark tan, rocky head that slowly fades.
Aroma is roast coffee, maple syrup and chocolate.
Roast coffee leads this flavor parade, nicely balanced by the maple syrup. Chocolate and a touch of vanilla follow.
Creamy and thick. A few specks of congealed something (syrup?) in the bottom of the can. Excellent!
May 26, 2019
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by SD-Alefan from South Dakota
Pours a deep brown with a plentiful dark tan, rocky head that slowly fades.
Aroma is roast coffee, maple syrup and chocolate.
Roast coffee leads this flavor parade, nicely balanced by the maple syrup. Chocolate and a touch of vanilla follow.
Creamy and thick. A few specks of congealed something (syrup?) in the bottom of the can. Excellent!
May 26, 2019
4.18 by RobinLee from Wisconsin on May 18, 2019
4.38 by Luscious_Malfoy from Illinois on May 16, 2019
3.75/5 rDev -15%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by GuyFawkes from Illinois
Batch #2. Bottled 7/5/16; drank 7/8/16 @ the Yarchives.
Black/brown appearance.
A rough pour yielded a small, noisy dark khaki head; almost no lace.
Maple syrup, dark roast coffee bean & milk chocolate notes in the nose. Bold!
Medium thick, creamy mouthfeel.
Bitter black coffee & milk chocolate flavors up front; maple syrup & faint booze heat notes on the finish.
Dark yet sweet; a touch boozy. A bit over-the-top this fresh but still enjoyable.
Apr 15, 2019
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by GuyFawkes from Illinois
Batch #2. Bottled 7/5/16; drank 7/8/16 @ the Yarchives.
Black/brown appearance.
A rough pour yielded a small, noisy dark khaki head; almost no lace.
Maple syrup, dark roast coffee bean & milk chocolate notes in the nose. Bold!
Medium thick, creamy mouthfeel.
Bitter black coffee & milk chocolate flavors up front; maple syrup & faint booze heat notes on the finish.
Dark yet sweet; a touch boozy. A bit over-the-top this fresh but still enjoyable.
Apr 15, 2019
4.75 by JamesLeung from Florida on Mar 01, 2019
4.34 by BeerMe8 from Florida on Feb 24, 2019
4.5 by Nurt20 from Illinois on Jan 26, 2019
4.25/5 rDev -3.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by jzeilinger from Pennsylvania
A - Pitch black oil colored pour with soapy caramel colored lacing.
S - Pungent coffee bean, dark roast chocolate char, and maple.
T - Light coffee bean, dark chocolate char, light smoke, roasted caramel on the backside.
M - Big medium body to light heavy body. Sticky on the lips. Nice lingering chocolate char.
O - Very nice beer!
Dec 15, 2018
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by jzeilinger from Pennsylvania
A - Pitch black oil colored pour with soapy caramel colored lacing.
S - Pungent coffee bean, dark roast chocolate char, and maple.
T - Light coffee bean, dark chocolate char, light smoke, roasted caramel on the backside.
M - Big medium body to light heavy body. Sticky on the lips. Nice lingering chocolate char.
O - Very nice beer!
Dec 15, 2018
4.15 by PhineasMcClintock from Massachusetts on Dec 15, 2018
4.75 by GreatStoutman from Texas on Dec 10, 2018
4.5 by ECOBOOSTINST from Iowa on Nov 29, 2018
4.39 by Grovejr20 from New Hampshire on Nov 16, 2018
4.52/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by TheBrewsky from California
L: Pours pitch black with motor oil-like viscosity. Small tan ring formation around perimeter of glass. Minimal lacing. The ring is maintain though, which looks satisfying with the contrast of the black content.
S: Perhaps the most maple forward beer I've smelled yet. So much maple. Apart from maple, coffee comes in second which is also in abundance. Molasses and malts present as well.
T: Coffee and chocolate forward. Maple isn't as strong in flavor as it is in smell, but it is present on the finish and in after taste. A lot of chocolate and coffee character. As it warms, the maple comes through even more, making its presence throughout entirety of flavor. Very nice.
F: Heavy in body and feel with moderate carbonation. I am drinking a bottle that has been opened for a bit, but I am liking where its sitting right now. Not quite syrupy slick feel but does have mouthcoating properties.
O: An amazing stout that is worthy of a try. The amount of maple is awesome. I am very grateful to have tried and would gladly drink again (or recommend). Cheers!
Nov 01, 2018
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by TheBrewsky from California
L: Pours pitch black with motor oil-like viscosity. Small tan ring formation around perimeter of glass. Minimal lacing. The ring is maintain though, which looks satisfying with the contrast of the black content.
S: Perhaps the most maple forward beer I've smelled yet. So much maple. Apart from maple, coffee comes in second which is also in abundance. Molasses and malts present as well.
T: Coffee and chocolate forward. Maple isn't as strong in flavor as it is in smell, but it is present on the finish and in after taste. A lot of chocolate and coffee character. As it warms, the maple comes through even more, making its presence throughout entirety of flavor. Very nice.
F: Heavy in body and feel with moderate carbonation. I am drinking a bottle that has been opened for a bit, but I am liking where its sitting right now. Not quite syrupy slick feel but does have mouthcoating properties.
O: An amazing stout that is worthy of a try. The amount of maple is awesome. I am very grateful to have tried and would gladly drink again (or recommend). Cheers!
Nov 01, 2018
4.13 by LloydDobler from Indiana on Oct 30, 2018
4.52 by Ice_Cream_And_IPAs from New York on Oct 29, 2018
4.75 by hatfieldspapa from Georgia on Oct 26, 2018
4.41/5 rDev 0%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by brentk56 from North Carolina
Appearance: Arrives fudge colored with a tan head that leaves a few strands
Smell: Dark chocolate, coffee and maple tones
Taste: Dark chocolate and maple forward with robust coffee tones emerging and adding balance, to the middle; a hint of molasses arrives in the finish
Mouthfeel: Full bodied with moderate carbonation
Overall: A well-crafted breakfast stout with a great coffee burst
Sep 29, 2018
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by brentk56 from North Carolina
Appearance: Arrives fudge colored with a tan head that leaves a few strands
Smell: Dark chocolate, coffee and maple tones
Taste: Dark chocolate and maple forward with robust coffee tones emerging and adding balance, to the middle; a hint of molasses arrives in the finish
Mouthfeel: Full bodied with moderate carbonation
Overall: A well-crafted breakfast stout with a great coffee burst
Sep 29, 2018
Imperial Smells Like Bean Spirit from Mikerphone Brewing
Beer rating:
97 out of
100 with
182 ratings