Imperial Stout Appreciation Thread (2023)

Surly Brewing Ginger Snap Darkness. More than this 10-ounce pour would be difficult to get through.

 

Founders, “CBS” 2019!

 

Cross posting my very first entry into the NBW fray. Enjoying a BCBS Biscotti Stout.

Nose is anise forward with notes of biscotti cookie over the huge malt base.
Taste is a large malt base that out of nowhere an anise assault was launched on the palate that was quickly incorporated with cocoa and toffee. Post sip aspirations give me a true Biscotti cookie. Finishes perfectly balanced as the barrel does the heavy lifting here.
Mouthfeel is large bodied and very smooth and satisfying with each sip.
Overall an interesting BCBS variant. The anise was pretty severe for a flash with each sip but nicely incorporated with the other elements of this beer to taste like a true cookie. Definitely a fun one to try! I will continue to purchase the BCBS variants again this year as i feel daggers from DTLA MacArthur Park. Overall score 4.18.
Cheers!
Tom

 

Liquid Mechanics Coconut Anarchy Project (Russian Imperial Stout aged in 6-year Heaven Hill Bourbon Barrels with 25lbs/bbl of toasted coconut).

Pours a dark brown color into the glass. Sits in the glass as pitch black. Produces a tiny dark tan head that dissipates immediately.

Aroma consists of rich dark chocolate, toasted coconut, some peat, licorice, black cherry, some prune, roasted malt, slight nuttiness, molasses, some toffee, oak, and bourbon.

Taste brings 85% dark chocolate bar, caramel, toasted coconut, almond, some peat, licorice, prune, fig, roasted malt, molasses, charred oak, smooth bourbon spirit. Dark chocolate Mounds bar vibes with added complexity from the RIS base and barrel.

Medium to high medium body. Oily, slick, sticky. Warm, but not hot, probably thanks to the age.

The age has smoothed this one out, but probably has allowed the coconut to subside a bit. That being said, the coconut still comes through nicely and complements the base stout nicely. A highly enjoyable barrel aged RIS. Bitter, roasty, sweet, and decadent.

 

Kids don't need college anyways.

 

Hows that drinking? I got through my last one in 2021 and I felt it was still remarkable, just not equal to fresh. Cheers.

 

Imprint Beer Company, “Heart Shaped Box” Imperial Stout with Asher’s

 

It was really good! Very little carbonation, but we left it “breathe” a little and it was great!

 

And now you're all diabetics. Happy 35th, here's a shot of insulin.

 

First time having this. Do they do a barrel aged version? It’s pretty good but HOT. Edit: apparently this was bottled in 2021. Code on bottle starts with 24921. Coffee is still here but I imagine it was much stronger fresh

 

To quote Eddie Money, “I think I’m in love “!

 

Just saw Fremont is doing double barrel aged Darkstar. Might have to end my Tavour hiatus if it ends up on there…

 

Bottled in Bond 2022 Q4 brewed by Bond Brothers Beer Company of Cary, NC. The adjuncts are peanuts, coconut, and Thai banana. The barrel influence is subtle and compliments the other tastes. And you’d never know it’s 13.5% A very good Imperial Stout.

 

Öö XO from Põhjala out of lovely Tallinn, Estonia. A cognac barrel aged imperial Baltic porter.


A gem I've loved several times. The base Öö is such a solid beer and the cognac treatment adds a nice dimension of grape must and caramel.

Unfortunately, this particular bottle is from June of 21 and it's showing its age. The body has thinned out and the cognac is much more prominent. It's still an enjoyable beer but it's not the elite delight I've enjoyed in the past

 

I’ll bet at least $25 with $29.99 likely

 

Love of money is the root of all evil, love of imperial stout is the root of delight. Doesn't seem like too hard of a choice