Takashi
Against The Grain Brewery

Very unique and impressive imperial stout.

Little to no head with a thin ring of lacing, and a deep dark opaque look

What sets this beer apart from other imperial stouts is a unique note of savory smell and taste to accompany the sweetness that is more typical of this style.

Big rich mouthfeel that pairs well with the big profile of this imp stout.

Very interesting and satisfying beer.

 

This was my 3rd ATG beer and the bartender kept talking it up so I couldn't resist. And he was totally right!

A - Deep dark black. It pours thick with a tan head that fades in 2 seconds and no lacing. I was surprised to see the head go so soon and I assume that the soy barrel doesn't help the head retention at all! Could be the draft's fault too but doesn't look like the best.

S - Big rich bourbon barrel aroma hits you in the face. Full sweet bourbon with vanilla, oak, caramel, and some toasted coconut. Underneath there are some dark fruits, roast, some chocolate, and some coffee. More soft bourbon than big stout from the smell but I like it.

T - The first sip there is an explosion of flavors. The bourbon is there but less impact-full than in the smell; again the bourbon, vanilla, oak, and caramel are all on the front of the palate but the sweet malt of the imperial stout is on the tip of the tongue. In the middle there is a terrific stout with a robust malt, roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and soft smoke character. The finish has a distinct and unique aromatic that is like soy sauce but not salty or detracting in any way. On the end there is also the black roast, warming alcohol, and a nut tone. Doesn't taste like soy sauce but more like you gently wafted some peanut beef with soy sauce while drinking an amazing Imperial Stout.

M - Very high mouth-feel with light to no carbonation. Basically sits like a bourbon on your palate with soft heat, sweetness in the middle, and releases the tongue to make way for strong contemplation of the flavors.

Overall, this is a very delicious beer. I was very apprehensive and very surprised at how well this beer came out. This beer is not the best BA beer I've had but with the novel aromatics and an extremely good base beer and barrel character I would definitely do this one again. I think that a little more carbonation or more body in the beer would help the mouth-feel and the appearance but you can't take points away from the unique and delicious flavors. Life's too short to just go with the sure thing; take some chances and be pleasantly surprised from time to time.

Glass- Snifter on draft

That soy sauce/bourbon barrel combo should be utilized more often. What a highly unique beer that makes sense in every way. The use of soy sauce/whiskey barrels only adds to the complexity of this stout. The real McCoy right here lathered in umami.

 

 

Chocolate, roast malt, and licorice in the fairly sweet aroma. Thick and chewy, with excellent dark fruit notes of raisins and dates, along with bruised cherries and liquor. Rounds out with dark chocolate and smooth coffee, and a toasted oak and lightl umami character.