Modern Rituals: Return
The Seed: A Living Beer Project

 

On draught at the brewery. Served in a wine glass. I let it warm for about half an hour before drinking. It pours an oily black with a modest, light mocha cap that disappeared quickly leaving minimal lacing. The smell is superb with dark chocolate, vanilla, freshly-brewed coffee, wood smoke, nuts, and an inviting whiff of black cherry/dark fruit. Its taste is absolutely decadent: rich mocha, vanilla, hazelnut, leather, char, tobacco, black cherry, and stewed prune. All of the flavors are distinct yet mellow and they blend seamlessly. There is a strong bitterness at the finish. This stout has a thick, chewy, motor oil-like consistency with a low level of carbonation. The 13% ABV is noticeably warming; it's meant for sipping and savoring. Overall, Modern Rituals: Return is a fabulous American Imperial Stout; in my opinion it's World Class. My only disappointment is that it wasn't bottled or canned.