Big Boy
Brasserie La Débauche

33 cl bottle poured at near room temp into a taster’s snifter, in Toulouse, France.
Light brown foam floats on deep brown brew.
Nose is a coiled snake of chocolate covered dark stone fruit, a whiff of coffee, bit of licorice, and sweet peppers.
Taste springs out with dark roast malt, balanced by a fine hop note. Then the spice note attacks like a churning choo choo in the cheeks, with the 12% ABV thrusting the just-hot-enough pepper through the mouth. The heat isn’t overwhelming. It fits well within this super well-rounded Stout. The residue on finish is a lingering dry heat, mouth watering bitterness and sweet stickiness on the lips.
Usually when I drink Stout, I want something sweet to push the elements of the beer. My mouth craved something salty for this one., and I obliged with a small plate of local cheese, olives and charcuterie, which was perfect.
Mouth is full and smooth, there is pulsing carbonation.
Overall, France’s La Debauche Brewery nailed a Russian Imperial Stout, and masterfully turned it into a fine glass of alcohol fueled funny peppers. Which is interesting because I notoriously don’t like chili peppers (or cinnamon) in beer.,

 

Looks like a stout, smells like chocolate coffee and chili, taste like it too. Feels rich enough, chili spiciness seems to lighten it. Slight lingering heat, but good for me. Nice

 

Dark mahogany tending to black with amaranth reflections, the foam is cappuccino-colored with good persistence. Nose: chocolate, coffee, dehydrated plum, toffee, hints of vanilla, spicy note.
Taste: reflects the sense of smell, chocolate, caramel, dehydrated dark fruit, coffee, stature and a delicate but strong spicy finish accompanied by a nice alcoholic warmth. Warm and satisfying aftertaste.
Medium body and fine carbonation.

 

 

 

 

 

2015 vintage of that chili imperial stout. Very nice with some coffee notes but mainly cocoa, caramel and a nice pepper heat in the backend.Velvety mouthfeel for this really well rounded beer. Nice.