3.8 Anniversary
Long Live Beerworks

 

 

No canning date (presumably canned ~12/23/19)

Pours a viscous jet-black body capped with a slowly forming finger of dark mocha foam which in turn dissipates quickly, leaving a moderate creamy ring of froth and no cap; temporary rings of dense lacing fade as the beer is drunk down.

Aroma opens with a vibrant, fresh medium roast coffee, a hint of maple, and a touch of frothed vanilla cream, which helps to impart a milk chocolate and hazelnut (almost butterscotch) depth; coffee grounds and roasted malts are not far behind into the close. Overall aroma subdues as it warms, though the more intriguing aspects remain mostly intact throughout.

Taste shows lighter but still prominent coffee tones upfront before an oaky maple begins to take over; the middle features a nutty vanilla cream with a backing of toasted hazelnut, while roasted malts, raw cacao, and spent coffee grounds round out the finish.

Mouthfeel has a medium body supported with a mild but deftly placed carbonation; rounded, silky middle, though a slight thinness develops over time while a roasty grit past the mid-palate; smooth finish and a bit sticky at the back end of the swallow.

A sweet stout with plenty of touch that doesn't see it extend much into pastry stout territory; the balance plays more in its favor than not, though it could be a little heartier. Overall, a very good integration of expressive coffee and subtle maple into a steady, pleasantly roasty imperial stout.