Esoterik
Two Rivers Brewing Company

 

On draught at the brewery. Served in a snulip glass. I let it warm for about 15 minutes before drinking. It pours a very dark walnut - approaching black - with a large, creamy, light mocha-colored cap and thick, elegant lacing. It's a very attractive pour. The nose offers dark chocolate, burnt coffee, caramel, cigar ash, and a whiff of anise and black cherry. Its taste is delicate but very flavorful with chalky bakers chocolate, burnt coffee grounds, and earthy char. As it warmed and breathed in the glass I began to taste some very welcome dark fruit, caramel, and a touch of anise. The flavors blend superbly. There is a slight hoppy bitterness at the finish. I couldn't ask for a better mouth feel: it's super thick and chewy; I felt like I could use a spoon. I could feel the burn of the 9.5% ABV; it's definitely a sipper. Overall, I'm very impressed. Esoterik is a top shelf American Imperial Stout. I hope the brewery eventually cans it. Also, a barrel-aged version would be amazing.

Poured from a tap into pint glass in June 2022 at their Easton pub.

Appearance: Very dark black with a thin dark brown head. Head lasted a few minutes. It left practically no lacing on the glass, and ended with just a few bubbles on the beer.

Smell: Aroma of coffee, roasted grain, with some chocolate. There is also some caramel, but overall the coffee and roasted malt dominate the others.

Taste: There is a strong coffee and chocolate flavors. I also taste some smoky roasted flavors and licorice flavors. Also, There is a small amount of bitter hop flavors to enhance the taste. There is a medium-strong alcohol presence, which matches the 9.8% on the label.

Mouth-feel: Full body and thick, but also smooth. It has a little edge, like an Imperial Stout. A little more full-bodied than I expected from an 8.6% stout.

This is a very good Stout, and I enjoyed the variety of bold flavors. The various flavors balance themselves well, especially the coffee and chocolate. Even though it is a full-bodied beer, it is still smooth and enjoyable to drink. I would buy this again, and probably my favorite Two River beer along with their porter and Dutchtown IPA.