Imperial Stout Appreciation Thread (2023)

BCBCS was disappointing this year. Gawd, I remember how much BCBCS changed my life the first time I had it in 2013. I thought it was the best beer in the world. And I don't like coffee!

 

Surly Elijah Craig 12yr BBA Darkness RIS 2023, 12% ABV. Let this one warm. I rated it 4.69

I remember when I first tried BBA Darkness in 2016 when it was 25oz bomber-only. I'm really glad they came out with these small doses, though the artwork was more detailed on the bombers (2017 pictured below)

 

A little nod to the 2nd FLUX that I received in this year's Big Box of Stouts - apparently a sub-in for some coconut beer from TH that was supposed to be in the box.
Whatever - these are not my usual go-to beer style, as some of you might know, but this sucker is OILY in texture. Not sure I've had a thicker beer. Is it a wee tad sweet for me? Yes.
Do I get much vanilla? Nah - but it's ok, feelin' right now. Good beverage on a cold winter's day.

Cheers!

 

Well, given the track record I think “gonna” is a bit generous. Supposed to? Hell yea they are. They claim the rain has really limited their ability to get boxes from USPS, but it appears the real culprit is that their willpower has prevented them from actually packing and shipping. Traitorous bastard.

 

BA Vietnamese Speedway from Alesmith

An unreliable drunk I know told me these were terrible. I believed him, and now I feel lied to!

These just showed up at a local spot for 6.99 a bottle. Took a chance, and I think its worth it. A lot like normal Speedway, but the coffee is a little more floral and the roasted malt has been subdued a bit. There's a touch of liquory sweetness. It ultimately tastes like a very enjoyable (to me) cold brew with a touch of booziness. So, win.

I'm gonna go grab a couple more bottles to finish out winter. May try the regular BA too, but that same drunk bastard assures me they aren't good at all

 

I have the same taste on many stouts that you have, but @unlikelyspiderperson is correct on Vietnamese Coffee being awesome, though I prefer Thai as my favorite of the variants.

Willitized is solid, because of the rye. The coffee has never been it's strong suit, and the fact they delayed the release several months after bottling this year didn't help matters at all.

 

Got it. I did not have this vintage, so it is possible there has been a drop off. I am good with OG Speedway Stout, but love trying the variants when I hit Miramar since I rarely have a chance otherwise.

GI Coffee was meh this year (one bottle was good, the other nearly same as the standard), but was awesome in years past. Only bought the second after a big markdown.

Still wish I could find $7.99 16 oz four packs of Speedway Stout like I did during the first Summer of lockdowns.

 

Whoa whoa whoa, I didn't say a "sophisticated connoisseur with a palate like Bacchus and a wit like Twain" so I don't know what would make me think I was letting your reviews influence me!

But yeah, Ima grab at least 2 more of these and probably 2 of the regular BA speedway for science.

I'll report back

 

I hear mute is an option for senders and receivers on this website

Some snarky individual told me Willitized is not any good because it is made by Heineken, part of the evil Big Beer brewers that forces us to drink their potions. I hear Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV is part of this Oligarchy

Beer is so very entertaining! Long live the debate!
Cheers!
Tom

 

Cheers!

 

Look's Beer No Bolshevik RIS, 11.1% ABV. I'm not a huge fan of highly-bitter beers, but I can appreciate that this is true to style. I rated it 4.12

Going to be a quiet night at home, settling in with a great RIS, ranch and cream cheese chicken in the crock, and then hours of OnPatrol: Live.

 

Had '21 Cafe Deth shortly ago. Reminded me I need to hit the forums for some the latest batch. Cheers.

 

Digging this no nonsense unadulterated RIS from Adroit Theory that was part of the “Big Box of Stouts “!

 

Back to back in this thread as well with @Beersnake1 representing the great stouts of California.