The Imperialist Zoltan
2SP Brewing Company

The pour from a pint can into a clear glass Imperial pint mug had to be paused because of the ridiculous amount of foam. This was not a violent pour and the temperature of the liquid was well below room temperature. Maybe sixty percent of the beer fit into the vessel before pouring had to cease. A big white foamy head on an ale almost always means wheat has been substituted for barley in the wort. Ergo, body and taste will probably suffer. The big starchy whiteness is receding unevenly, leaving sparse glass lacing. Listed as an Imperial red ale, it's more light copper-amber, although it is reasonably opaque. There's very little to smell, more evidence that barley has been shortchanged. The taste is mildly sweet, which is mildly surprising. The body isn't as thin as expected. Despite the looks, there seems to be a reasonable malted barley presence in the taste, although in the body, not as much. The heavy hopping of an IPA shouldn't be expected, but the hopping here is quite complimentary to the overall taste. In this case, first impressions are truly inaccurate. The rating here is subject to the categories order and this will end up much lower in the ratings than it belongs. This is really a good drinking beer. At 7.5% ABV, there's just enough alcohol to add flavor and make you feel good after a pint.

Appears dark amber; pretty nice off-white head. Clasdic, spicy, resinous hop aroma. Well-rounded tasteyly mild malt base; earthy, spicy hop flavor hinting at anise and licorice. Medium-heavy body; crisp and prickly; light stickiness.

A very nicely brewed imperial red ale. Great balance and depth between the malts and the hops.

7.2% ABV; pouring temperature: unknown; brewing date: unknown

 

Look: It pours amber with good clarity. It has an off white head with very good head retention.

Smell: There are strong caramel aromas with some stone fruit and pine. There are some very low cherry notes in the background.

Taste: It has strong caramel flavor with some stone fruit and a touch of cherry. There is also very low pine.

Feel: It has a medium full body with a slight sickness.

Overall, strong caramel flavors with the other elements being in support.