Bierviertel Selection Imperial Stout
Brauerei Hofstetten / Krammer

Bought it at the brewery, removed from the fridge 20 min prior consumption. Poured it into my Engelszell snifter.

Very dark with deep ruby highlights when brought close to a strong light source. Fine beige foam of a few mm that reduces to a rime after very short time. Fine carbonation visible.

Dark sweet malts, some coffee, dates, amarena cherries, alcohol

Taste is not overly complex with coffee and caramel malts, hop bitterness is detectable, nicely balanced with sweet and sour.

Heavy body lifted a bit by fine carbonation, smooth on the palate.

This is a good example of the style. It is nicely balanced, alcohol is very well hidden and dark malt bitterness and coffee flavors are not dominant. Whereas modern imperial stouts often go to extremes to shock and awe, the brewers at Hofstetten prefer balance.