Imperial Stout X: Aztec Chocolate
Boulevard Brewing Co.

Imperial Stout X: Aztec ChocolateImperial Stout X: Aztec Chocolate
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From:
Boulevard Brewing Co.
 
Missouri, United States
Style:
American Imperial Stout
ABV:
11%
Score:
90
Avg:
4.01 | pDev: 7.98%
Reviews:
72
Ratings:
299
Status:
Retired
Rated:
Oct 16, 2022
Added:
Apr 01, 2015
Wants:
  16
Gots:
  77
Imperial Stout X: Aztec Chocolate, takes inspiration from traditional drinking chocolate referred to as Oxcolatl. The ancient Aztecs held chocolate in such high regard that in addition to its place as a holy drink in ceremonies, cacao beans were a form of currency. Accounts vary, but the drinking chocolate the Aztecs consumed combined a paste of cacao beans with spices, chili peppers, vanilla and in some cases, wine or another fermented spirit.

To bring our interpretation to life, a batch of Imperial Stout was brewed that received freshly ground cinnamon during the boil on the brewhouse. This batch will be blended with tanks of Imperial Stout that are infused with dried pasilla negro and ancho chiles as well as cacao nibs. The chiles and cacao nibs were stuffed into porous bags and suspended in sanitized stainless steel tanks. Finished beer is transferred onto the chiles and nibs and allowed to rest for 24 hours of contact time. Following the infusion, the beer is transferred to a blending tank and blended with the cinnamon spiced batch. No portion of Imperial Stout X: Aztec Chocolate is barrel aged.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by 2beerdogs:
Photo of 2beerdogs
Reviewed by 2beerdogs from California

4.08/5  rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Thanks to @gtted for this gem.
Well the pour brings true temptation. A rich, nearly black liquid lifts a khaki-to-oatmeal colored froth that rises north of a finger and settles to a ring of loosely linked bubbles. Smells of chocolate, the true chocolate, rich & roasted with bitter notes. Also, hints of cinnamon are next in the line. Can't wait to taste. What the smell hints at is merely a preview. This one is quite delicious. The dark cocoa comes through with that lush dark, baker's chocolate. But, there is so much more. The cinnamon comes through in one of the most perfectl examples, to me, of the spice being both omipresent yet not overwhelming. It's truly imbued in the very essence of the beer, but doesn't lunge to be in the spotlight. Then, there is chile. For those who wish a strong, hot chile presence, this is not your stout. For me, it comes through in the back of the mouth, slowly becoming more pronounced with the swallow. Could is have more? Yes, but I really like how it runs anchor, and brings this one home. Mouthfeel is fine. I tend to prefer a bit more heft but not thin by any stretch.
Overall, a truly beautiful, elegant Impy Stout.
Oct 11, 2015
More User Ratings:
Photo of socon67
Reviewed by socon67 from New York

4.3/5  rDev +7.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
This beer aged well. Dark pour; not particularly thick. Smell is of milk chocolate; the cinnamon faded with age. Flavors are chocolate and some spice. Smooth finish. Not sure how this would have been after three or so years, but it held up well after seven.

Thanks to my lifelong friend Tom who had this in his beer cellar when he left us too soon. The next one is on me, my friend.
Oct 16, 2022
 
Rated: 4 by TMoney2591 from Illinois

Aug 03, 2021
Photo of bpkrippner
Reviewed by bpkrippner from Missouri

4.03/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
This beer says "best by 04-2017" but has stood a good test of time; opened today 12/26/2020. Stored on the bottom shelf of my garage beer fridge for five years. Cork held up well. Very smooth. Chocolaty. Only a little pepper. Nose is slightly alcoholic, but not the least bit funky. I'm officially impressed!
Dec 26, 2020
Photo of TooManyGlasses
Reviewed by TooManyGlasses from Canada (AB)

4.16/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
2015 vintage - 750 ml cage and cork bottle - COVID19 cellar dive.
Pours a dark brown with finger of mocha head.
Aroma of dark chocolate, molasses, dark fruit, raisin, hint of cinnamon.
Taste follows with creamy chocolate, molasses, a bourbon boozy note with a little heat from same though not much of the chill flavour - a bit of a roasty bitterness at finish.
Medium full mouthfeel though the age has thinned out a little I am sure - creamy smooth, a bit of boozy heat. - delicious.
May 22, 2020
Photo of BKotch
Reviewed by BKotch from Texas

4.45/5  rDev +11%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Bottled 4/2015, consumed 5/2020. So flavorful. Aroma and flavor have notes of chocolate, roastiness and a little spiciness. Head was smaller than last night's coffee version, but the beer was just as black and attractive. Mouthfeel is incredible for a 5-year-old beer -- very well carbonated.
May 17, 2020
 
Rated: 3.58 by DCH from New York

Apr 03, 2020
 
Rated: 4.25 by Griffith from Connecticut

Jul 11, 2019
 
Rated: 4 by dafla67 from Pennsylvania

Apr 30, 2019
Photo of GuyFawkes
Reviewed by GuyFawkes from Illinois

4.09/5  rDev +2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
2015 vintage ("best by April 2017"); drank 6/27/15 @ the Yarchives.

Black appearance.

HUGE dark khaki head (careful pouring!); nice lace.

Cinnamon & cream notes in the nose.

Medium thick mouthfeel.

Cream & milk chocolate flavors up front; pepper heat & faint booze heat on the finish.

An enjoyably spicy milk stout vibe here.
Apr 16, 2019
 
Rated: 4.22 by zonker17 from Texas

Sep 16, 2018
 
Rated: 3.74 by hopkrid from Florida

Aug 26, 2018
Photo of polloenfuego
Reviewed by polloenfuego from Canada (NB)

3.77/5  rDev -6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Pours a deep brown black with a nice thumb of root beer colored head. Head breaks quickly leaving little behind. Lacing is minimal.

Smell is spices and cocoa. Cinnamon and chili also come to the nose.

Flavor is strong on the spices and chocolate. The chili is mild, but the flavor of it really comes through.

Feel is full and smooth, with a decent amount of carbonation. Finish is coating and you are left with a nice warm feel from the spices.

Given the bottle I had was nearly three years old and the BB date was 8 months past,it actually held up quite nicely. I can't say I would jump for more,but I did enjoy it.
May 31, 2018
 
Rated: 4.02 by psweendogg from Connecticut

Mar 25, 2018
 
Rated: 3.75 by jgunther71 from Illinois

Feb 12, 2018
 
Rated: 4 by krome from Illinois

Feb 09, 2018
Photo of Pray_For_Mojo
Reviewed by Pray_For_Mojo from Colorado

3.67/5  rDev -8.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Cellared 2 years, 4 months

Appearance: very thin in appearance; very dark brown but light still penetrates. Much thinner than expected. It lacks the “luxurious” look. The head is a thin dark coffee-and-cream color with fair retention.

Aroma: nothing spectacular; dark roasted malts with hints of molasses.

Flavor: no standout chocolate, but the chilis do come through, although mild, and seem to have transformed into almost a potpourri-like flavor. This could as much be a Christmas beer. There are no standout flavors, other than the ‘evolved’ chilis, which did not age well.

Mouthfeel: medium, but too thin for the style.

Overall: I have little enthusiasm for this beer. The only hall pass is the cellared age of it (2 years, 4 months). This beer is underwhelming to say the least, and ranks in the bottom of Boulevard’s portfolio. This beer underwhelms at every turn. I’m reluctant to continue to try Blvd’s Smokestack Series, as Blvd. has a growing list of consecutive beers that miss the mark considerably. One big advantage that Blvd has is that prices are reasonable ($12 / 750ml).
Dec 28, 2017
 
Rated: 4.12 by gobuccos from Ohio

Dec 08, 2017
 
Rated: 4 by Birdlegs from Washington

Nov 18, 2017
 
Rated: 3.91 by Tcsox from Massachusetts

Oct 14, 2017
Imperial Stout X: Aztec Chocolate from Boulevard Brewing Co.
Beer rating: 90 out of 100 with 299 ratings