Toasted
Froth Brewing Co.

 

Toasted appears to be dense and syrupy as it pours into a Pretentious Glass Company snifter. The beer itself is shiny and jet black, with a thin, short-lived, dark chestnut head. The head is fine and tight, becoming a slight fog that covers the beer. Very dark mahogany highlights can be seen when put to the light. Each sip pushes a thin film and redistributes constellations of spotty lace.

The aroma is sweet, with a rich, roasted malt background. Vanilla is obvious, with faint graham crackers and chocolate providing contrast.

The flavor opens with charred malt and burnt notes. Dark roasted fudge brownies with crispy ends give way to light marshmallow, then faint graham crackers. The roasted finish is long with bitterness. The flavor is far less sweet than had been suggested by the aroma.

The dense body is almost syrupy. Alcohol is as expected and quite light for an Imperial Stout. It has a soft, slick texture that is punctuated by very light carbonation.

Toasted is another beer that warms nicely. It is far from the Pastry Stout that I had suspected it would be. I enjoyed it with a Black and Blue burger and think it would be better off as a dessert beer.

Modest head production and retention; no lacing. Body, while dark, appears a bit thin and cola-colored at the edges.

Aroma is fantastic, albeit a bit of a melange that makes it difficult to pick out the individual notes. I don't get a s'mores impression. Overall leans on the sweet side. Chocolate, dark fruit, banana, Graham cracker, cola, caramel.

Flavor is a bit more muddled than the nose. It comes across a bit more bitter than I expected, although it's by no means unpleasant. Still leans toward the sweeter side, but it's not cloying. Tasting notes otherwise more or less match the nose: chocolate, Graham cracker, cola, caramel.