Imperial Eclipse Stout

It's both of those things

 

Tried Elijah Craig, Buffalo Trace, and 4 Roses. Really liked all of them.

A buddy of mine found a place selling 2012 versions on sale for $22. we split all of them. I was really impressed and like everybody else, had always been put off by the price point and also the relatively "unknown" factor of FiftyFifty brewing whom I have not had anything else from.

We dug in one bottle a week. They all tasted very different but were very well balanced and I was extremely impressed. The blending of the bourbon flavors and how each one was so unique was really well executed.

Funny thing is that we both agreed that the Buffalo Trace was our favorite (and that is the lowest rated of the variants on here). We are both bourbon/whiskey fans so maybe because this variant was much more bourbon foward we liked it a little more than others.

This beer is definitely more than I would like to spend, and probably will not do so for a long time. Hell, Imperial Biscotti Break is $15 and I LOVE that beer and rarely buy it. But it is good to know that if I am ever in the mood or want to bring something special to an event, I have experience with this well done line of stouts.

 

elijah craig, any year and purple or white

i have an 09 i plan to crack very soon

 

I had several glassed of the 2013 PVW on draft at the release party and it was excellent and certainly a stand-out among the current releases. It was not mind blowing like the old 2008 PVW bottles I have had with many years of aging on them, but I have several bottles to squirrel away and see how they develop over time. I thought the Four Roses, EC12, Makers Mark (I wasn't sure based on the whiskey), Rum, Java and Vanilla were all outstanding, and we made some wicked blends at the party. The others are all solid but I haven't had bottles yet and that night I was focusing on stuff that was more rare and ultimately harder to come by.

 

My vote is drink now.

 

It is ridiculous good. If this beer only (but the rest were still made in Truckee) was made in the Midwest or east coast, it'd have a TON more hype! Feel very lucky to have been sent back several this year- I really wish I'd kept em all.

 

It was pretty crazy how "lighter" the boubon character was. Masked mostly by deep roasted coffee...Drink it now.

 

So Far, I've cracked open a Buffalo Trace yellow and an Elijah 12 purple for 2013 release. It's pretty much one of a kind brew. I was fortunate enough to grab one of each for this year, excluding the almost mythical rum and pappy. I had the pleasure to try the 2012 rittenhouse rye and evan williams before this year 2013 release (aged a year. some people agree it tastes great aged and I am on that boat, but can't seem to keep my hands off the next bottle in my cellar) You only live once and you can't take money with you when you die, so why not have a toast to celebrate another brilliant brew. (don't drink any of this if you don't enjoy the boozy barrel characteristics.)

 

ISO Pappy Eclipse. LOL

 

drank a 2010 Evan Williams the other day and really enjoyed it!

 

Shockingly enough, a few of thwse made there way up to Northern Alberta. Seeing as they are probably going to be rathee pricy, if you could only get one variant which would you get?

 

Java. Looks like almost everyone agrees.

 

The elijah craig ones are my favorite among the regularly brewed varieties. To be fair though, I haven't tried all of them, but I have had maybe 3 or 4 of each years' variants for the past couple of years.

 

Java Eclipse Is the best of all worlds!

A blend of:
45% Imperial Eclipse Elijah Craig 12 (300 Day Aged Version)
45% Totality Stout
10% French Roast Cold Toddy from Wood Fire Roasted Coffee Co. Reno, NV.

 

They're overpriced. The proof is that it sits on shelves for months and months after release, particularly in other parts of the country. I can still find some from 2012 around here, which is a region where most "good" beer is scooped up rather quickly.

As I've said numerous times before, once there's better competition out there, the prices should come down. With BCBS being re-distributed to the West Coast and more breweries making BA-versions of their imperial stouts, it's just a matter of time.

That said, the EC 20 was outstanding. I'd pay $30+/bottle for that again.

 

I heard some say that the coffee flavor overwhelms the bourbon somewhat?

 

Haha, yea, that was me. Its just not a bourbon BOMB. Alot of stout and coffee hidden within the bourbons tangled grip.

 

Clearly, you've never licked a penny that you found on the street. I wouldn't rate that higher than a 2.25.

 

Took the plunge and bought the Java Coffee variant for $40. Hopefully won't be disappointed.

Considered also getting the Elijah Craig 12 but $80 on two beers seemed a bit much.