Imperial Stout Appreciation Thread (2023)

Hey all — been away from BA for a bit but not from Imperial Stout! Had some tasty 2SP “The Russian” at Monk’s in Phila over the weekend. After that keg(s) kicks Monk’s is putting on Narwhal 2023. Not a stout but they also have Zot Blonde on (fresh) if you like it. And for those having difficulty finding Narwhal check Wegman’s Grocery store if you have one. They are in the black with it but I think only selling as 6-packs but you can if you want make a few trips.

Drinking a Narwhal now and maybe just maybe will pivot to a 16oz can of Old Rasputin. That is a pretty dangerous package.

 

Discussing future events with
Old Rasputin.
He seems clear on this
Do good
Cheers

 

Oops, this never got cross posted yesterday from a Michigan thread…

Choco Marshmallow American Imperial Stout - Kuhnhenn

Just a spectacular experience. Jet black and syrupy, with micro head that forms a fine, dark golden ring. Each sip leaves a thick viscous film and a multitude of thin legs. Don’t let the “Choco Marshmallow” fool you. While both are evident, the barrel aged stout is firmly in charge. Deep roasted demise coffee blends with the baker’s chocolate, dark roasted malt with charred notes. Warmth brings out the barrel influences. Certainly more bitter than sweet, though the sweetness is evident. Booziness is pleasant. It has a dense body and the texture of soft smooth deerskin leather. By no means flat, the density of the beer prevents the head from forming.

 

SAY WHAT!?!?!?!!!!!!! I had no idea this variant was in existence. Is this a brewery only release?

 

Pulled out this one to celebrate WBAYDN. It's the beer, but not the vintage, that got me into my craft. Thanks brother Andrew for sharing this with me Thanksgiving Evening 2014 (actually the 2014 Coconut Prop)!

Goose Island Brand Stout 2022 GI Blend



Smelled a bit cardboardy first sniff while refrigerator temps, but it is on point as always after a 15 minute warm up period. I love the 12 oz format, do not love the individual barrel treatments, but do love the blended version which evens out any extremities of the individual barrels.

Will do a proper cellar review with the next one after it crosses the 1 year mark (a week shy today).

Cheers!

 

Enjoying my last can of Yeti, best budget IS IMHO.
Cheers!
Tom

 

This cellar reach
In celebration of WBAYDN #4000
Counted back to 2012
Excellent texture, char, cocoa, fig, espresso
Outstanding
Cheers

 

Still think this tastes like peanut butter.

 

So there is this little bottle shop in Lowell, MI that has a reasonable selection of craft beer for its size. They have one cooler (small- counter top fridge sized) that is labeled “Beer for Beer Snobs”. In it they have an interesting variety of old beers which I suspect they get at quite a discount. But hey, BA stouts do fairly well with a little aging, so this can of circa 2020 was a good buy.
Still had lots of whiskey flavor, some lactose smoothness and overall really tasty.
I still have no idea what a Rye Milk is, but if it tastes like this, I’m sold.

 

Enjoying Chemesthesis, a BBA Spiced Stout from Jackie O's acquired late last year.

Nose is mild roasted malts with cinnamon and bourbon standing out.
Taste is very well blended as the large malt base incorporates notes of vanilla and bourbon from the barrel. The adjuncts are well played as the cinnamon, cocoa, and chilis form a warming depth with the bourbon. Finishes with a cinnamon and peppers forward theme with no trace of sweetness.
Mouthfeel is full bodied and very smooth which gives a feeling of satisfaction with each sip.
Overall a well-executed beer, probably being the best example of this style of beer I've had to date. Fair warning, this beer is not for everyone so if you are averse to heat and spices stay away! Rated 4.4.
Cheers!
Tom

 

I’ve had this in my beer fridge nearly 4 years, and it does age well as advertised on the label - the bourbon is forward and I am REALLY digging the well-developed stone fruit flavors that follow the rich dark chocolate and char notes. Absolutely love it.

 

Whenever I drink regular stouts, I always think: “I wish this was barrel aged”

 

Are you saying that you think a barrel version would be an improvement?

If so, I hear what you’re saying, even though my experience has been different. More accurately; my opinion is enjoying the comparison between the strait vs. barrel versions. And barrel types too. It’s a range of experiences I enjoy.

 

Land, it shall.