Swarthy Invader
Brotherton Brewing Company

There's a lot of aggression here and not much mellow. Pours dark brown with a medium tan head. Aroma is all bourbon. Taste is mostly bourbon and some roasted notes, very peaky. Feel is good nice and rich. Overall it's an interesting BBA stout.

 

 

 

I had this on draught in a restaurant in Somerville, NJ. It was served in an Allagash tulip glass. It pours nearly jet black with deep walnut hues when held to the light, and one full finger of khaki-colored head and lacing. It has a delightful aroma of chocolate, dark coffee, roasted malt, and bourbon. The taste is exquisite: lots of milk chocolate and burnt coffee, with a hint of caramel. There is also a noticeable taste of bourbon but it is mellow and doesn't dominate the other flavors. It features a pleasant, creamy mouth feel, without significant carbonation, and the 9.6% ABV is well masked; it isn't overtly boozy but by the time you finish the pour you can feel the alcohol. Overall, this is a well-crafted, delicious, and thoroughly enjoyable Imperial Stout. For a young brewery, Brotherton is producing some excellent beers!