Darkness question

Did 2008 and 2011 side by side. Liked 2008 more. More creamy than the 2011, but still plenty of carbonation. Not hot at all, and more of a chocolat flavor. I think 2011 may have just been a bit young, so it probably would have been better to compare to a 2010 bottle, but you work with what you have. Big hop character in the 2011 and very sweet.

Compared to other stouts, maybe not as big or out there as it once was perceived. I can see why it was so hyped up in the past, but lots great stouts out there to choose from now.

 

Yeah i agree the 2008 really stood out for my tasting group, than it was 2010, 2009, and 2011 in that order. I feel like they changed the recipe, or time does some crazy stuff.

 

We did a vertical just before Darkness Day. From 07-11, '07 was the hands-down favorite, still an amazing amount of hoppiness in a stout that old! It's held up amazingly well & matched my idealized memory of it almost perfectly. After that, for our group the '10 was easily the second choice, followed by a split decision on the '09/'11 bottles. '08 came in last almost to a man. Not that it's bad, just sweet enough to warrant an insulin shot after a glass of it.

It'll be interesting to see what becomes of the '11, it seemed a bit thinner young than previous years, but you never know.

 

fiveo2270 and I drank an 08 and 09 a while back thought they were both really awesome. I'd give it to the 08 really rich and smooth.