Drag the Lake You Will Find it Full of Love
Twin Elephant Brewing Company

 

Reviewed the day after bottle release for TE's 8th anniversary. Poured into a stemless Stout glass at 62°. It pours a very dark walnut - nearly black. The light mocha head fizzled away almost immediately leaving a dark oily appearance. Not unusual for a Stout of this gravity. The nose is rather sedate. There is chocolate, vanilla, caramel nougat, and a whiff of bourbon. But the taste is rich. The chocolate is sweet and fairly lite. There are strong notes of fresh vanilla bean - they almost taste "green" to me. But there are also notes of charred nuts, leather, tobacco, and dark fruit. The barrel influence is surprising delicate considering how freshly bottled. The flavors are bold but blend very well. Just delicious! The mouth feel is sublime: an oily viscosity with low carbonation, and while there is no escaping the 13% ABV, it's not overpowering. I've rarely had a better mouth feel. Overall, I (along with everyone else who stood in a long line to purchase a single bottle) had high hopes for this Stout and Twin Elephant and Troon delivered big time. This may be the best Vanilla Imperial Stout I've ever had.