Imperial Stout Appreciation Thread (2023)

You? Voice displeasure? Say it ain't so! But seriously, proper labels are important and I also dislike when I can't figure things out. It should be really obvious. If not, perhaps there is a reason...

 

Don't worry, nobody takes you seriously

 

I was a Reserve Society member back in 2013 and continued that for a few years. Stopped when I had too many big beers in the cellar. Joined last year and got this. Mallow-Dramatic. Bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout with coconut, vegan marshmallows, and vanilla beans. Comes in at 15.3% ABV. Overall, this is pretty good.

The taste super smooth. Nice integration of vanilla, brown sugar, marshmallows, graham cracker, chocolate, black licorice, coconut, prunes, raisins, and some toffee. The barrel is evident but not dominant. Definitely picking up some smoky malts as it warms a bit.

 

Ive been all over the place with beers the past few weeks, and havent had too many imperial stouts. Which is weird for me. Trying to get through a few the next couple days.
this is Tree House Persevere blended imperial stout. ABV = ???

onto my review:

Sampling a 12 oz bottle poured into my snifter. I picked up this beer at the brewery in Charlton and have had in my cellar since purchase, which was at least 9 months ago. Seems like it should be fine, although I wish the label had the ABV on it.
The beer pours a dark black coffee color with no light passing through the glass.
A dense creamy tan head of just under 1 cm foams up even with a gentle pour. this foam sticks around as a sturdy edge layer and some wispy surface islands. I do get some dense lattice when I swirl the glass.
The aroma on this is robust. I get deep fudge brownie notes and also some marshmallow and a bit of brown sugar. There is some bourbon and sweet vanilla in there too, but no boozy heat or spiciness. the vanilla and marshmallow sweetness seem to dominate as the glass sits longer. Bourbon notes are also leading. No hop character.
First sip reveals a medium to thick body with very fine and slightly tingly carbonation. The texture is a little sticky and coats my lips with each sip. Beer feels like a pretty big imperial stout, but again, no ABV on the label. Id guess in the 9.5% range.
Flavor follows the nose. Fudge brownie, vanilla and marshmallow sweetness with a bit of dark chocolate and bourbon coming along on the finish. I also do get a bit of warmth on the swallow, but not spicy or bitey. No hop character here either.
This beer is a pretty big bourbon based stout with a good dose of sweetness. Pretty solid stout, could see it being too sweet for many, the marshmallow hit is pretty significant.
4.26 in the BA DB