Underworld Barista
New Image Brewing Company

This was another beer that I ordered on Tavour late last year and am just getting around to now. Had the Phanny Pack from these guys recently and this was just as enjoyable, although nearly anything that I've ever had on here over the years has been as much of a beast as this was. Thankfully, the alcoholic presence was subdued to some extent, but this was something that has to be taken seriously if you plan on fully enjoying this!

No surprise that this poured like coffee as it had a tan, bubbly head that left behind well-defined thin rings once I started to sip it. Lots of Black Malt, Chocolate Rye, coffee, raspberry, and lactose in the nose as the taste was amazingly varied and harmonious. Silky, roasted, fruity, and subtly sweet, hints of plum, coffee creamer, light fall spice, and lactose all came through as this was amazingly smooth and slick like a fine bourbon. Easy to feel the heft and the warming effect of this, although the perceived alcohol was just low enough to be on par with everything else going on here. The pumpkin and light autumnal fall spice stayed around with the overt coffee bean and espresso in the aftertaste, as this was what a cinnamon dulce or pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks could only aspire to be in another life.

No need to reinstate how damn strong this was in actuality, as this was a true American Imperial Stout based on the style, heft, and creativity that it had. Dated 10/12 on the label, this held up well over the last six months as it was easily enjoyable on this early spring day. The label had "Embrace the Liquid Sweater" on it but shtick aside, this was a fabulous brew that had so much going for it, down to the last drop. Cheers to New Image on this beast of a winner!

I've never had this happen before--as I poured this beer, absolutely no head formed. After I set it down, a fine set of bubbles showed up (briefly). No lacing at all. It was so thick, the pour looked like creamy cocoa (with the color of coffee). Dark brown, nearly black--no light passes.

Subtle berry-like brandy nose. Not very strong smell.

Unbelievably rich--the richest beer I've ever had. The near lack of any carbonation makes this feel like cream. The taste is overly warming from the alcohol. There's darker chocolate background flavor. But the finish is more like a chocolate liqueur with nearly no sweetness. The aftertaste is like a whisky in terms of the booziness.

This is an over-the-top Imperial Stout.

 

 

Sampling a cellar temp 16 oz can , date stamped 21/11/24, which I can guess is Nov 24, 2021. No other dates makes sense.
Can barely make out the 17.3% on the date stamp also.
Beer pours a very dark black coffee color with no light passing through at all. About 1 cm of tan rocky foam rises in the glass, but fades to the thinnest of edge layers quickly after the pour. Some wispy lattice, but mostly sticky legs like a fine merlot on the glass when I swirl.
Aroma is chocolate fudge mixing with a sweetened coffee and mild vanilla. I also get a bit of liquor soaked dark fruit and booze, but sweet, not spicy or fusol. A bit of caramel in for good measure on a hops absent nose.
First sip reveals a very smooth textured medium to thick body beer with very fine and spacious carbonation. Physical traits are easy drinking on this big beer to be honest. Dangerous brew!
Flavor is fudge brownie, sweetened coffee and some high cacao chocolate with a bit of roasted malt and caramel mixing. Maybe hints of vanilla and dark fruit here, but mostly fudge. I dont get any boozy heat and hops are also absent.
This is a sweeter beer and driven by fudge and dark chocolate, but also dangerously drinkable with not a lot of booziness.
Very glad to have tried this one and would pick up another can if I saw em!

strong stout nice caramel after taste

Who doesn't want an affogato for dessert? This beer is inspired by the luscious treat and pistachios are the addition on hand. The beer has that ice cream vibe in taste and texture. There is a deep, dark caramel ribboning throughout as well. The pistachio comes through subtly to add a special touch.

Underworld Barista pours black, very black, with no head. Aroma has heat, notes of amaretto and sweet coffee. Flavor is very rich, coffee notes, hints of vanilla, and lots of amaretto. Thick body. Overall, this is a BIG beer, very rich, but very smooth, extremely dangerous.

Pours black with a persistent tan head.

The nose is coffee, chocolate, vanilla, coconut, and cinnamon.

The taste is coffee, chocolate, and vanilla. Medium sweetness and low booze. Thankfully (and rather impressively) this doesn't taste anywhere near 17% ABV. Rich mocha with hints of roast, cherry, and cinnamon-like spice.

The mouthfeel is medium+ to full. Sticky and coating.

Overall, very good. I'm still shocked at the ABV. This definitely leans on the sweeter side to cover it up, but it still comes across as refined and cohesive.

The 17.3 abv is coming from what I saw on Untappd and im extremely skeptical thats right but we'll see. So far it's pretty tasty but could be a little more flavor forward.

This was definitely smooth and dangerous and maybe it is 17.3 percent abv but it felt more in the 10 to 12 range, so still a big beer.


Second time having this the feel was actually too thick and syrupy, it reminded me of my one Medianoche experience. Taste was great still though and that huge ABV hit harder this time