Sweater Weather
Eastern Market Brewing Co.

 

I just bought a 4-pack of these and it's NOT an 9.5 ABV imperial stout, but in fact a 7.2 ABV hazelnut porter! It poured a rather dark, slightly hazy chestnut with minimal head retention and nice lacing. Interesting, somewhat complex nose with some fruity esters and maybe a subtle touch of diacetyl (not necessarily a bad thing). Well-balanced flavor up front with a nice blend of roastiness, caramel, and well, hazelnut (far from Frangelico or Nutella, but those can be cloying). Medium body and minimal aftertaste (a welcome attribute, as some similarly flavored beers linger a bit too much). All in all an enjoyable experience, but there are many offerings in this class worthy of consideration. I don't regret the purchase and look forward to enjoying another (although the queue of "drink 'em or lose 'em" is very long, including some very vintage options like Thomas Hardy's from the early '90s!)...