Open Water Imperial Stout
Somers Point Brewing Company

Poured from fresh growler into a tulip glass. It pours a very deep walnut - nearly jet black, with a large, foamy, medium-khaki head and lots of soapy lacing. On the nose there is roasted malt, freshly-brewed coffee, dark chocolate, earthy nuts, and char. The taste is roasty and bitter with burnt coffee, bakers chocolate, burnt nuts, char, and a hint of dark fruit. It finishes with significant bitterness. It has a moderate mouth feel with a fairly low level of carbonation, and its 8% ABV is surprisingly warming. Overall, there is nothing gimmicky about this Imperial Stout; no adjuncts or other distractions. It's an old school, roasty, bitter brew, and a good one! It would pair well with a hearty meal but is also appropriate for casual drinking. It would also be a good breakfast stout. SOPO is brewing a barrel-aged version which I'm anxious to try.