Craft Beer Review

[beeritual]

Helpful Hint

To better utilize the search bar located on the top-left of my main page (beeritual.tumblr.com), use specific criteria such as state of origin, brewery name, beer style, or rating score.

Cheers!

[beeritual]

Odell “Myrcenary”

92 A-

“Myrcenary” is an Imperial IPA sold year-round in four-packs. It name is in reference to myrcene, an organic terpene measured in high amounts for those hops varieties used in this recipe. This is undoubtedly my favorite beer label of all time. I think Odell has the strongest identity of any brewery, and their design is world class. Fragrant hop aromas of tropical and citrus fruits hang over grass and evergreen. Malts add a sweet touch of caramel below.

The palate starts with a bright blast of citrus falling like grapefruit, orange, and lemon zest. A malt backbone descends into flavors of grain and sweet bread, establishing a consistently supportive platform for hops to stand. Tropical flavors surge up from the middle, touching on pineapple. Hop oils continue to accumulate into heavier herbal flavors like pine (pinene) and cannabis flower. A spicy bite settles onto the back-end with hints of garlic. Resinous bitterness continues to resonate for a prolonged aftertaste characterized by menthol. Thanks to the barrage of hops, the alcohol remains effectively concealed throughout. The mouthfeel is smooth over a medium-plus body with a dry departure.

There's a modest confidence to Myrcenary, where the flavors are at once stern, but never over-the-top. It isn't one to entirely wreck your palate, but it'll still manage to do some damage. 70 IBU's is rather tame for this style, allowing increased drinkability, as well as opening up a little room for greater flavor appreciation. Bitter, sweet, and sour components all blend together in perfect harmony (as is the Odell standard). I consider it a good representation of the style, however, there are certainly more stellar options to be found these days. Regardless, I find plenty of redeeming qualities to enjoy year after year, so I will continue to return. I recommend it all you hop heads.

$10.32/4-pack

9.3%

70 IBU

Fort Collins, Colorado

[beeritual]

Odell “Mountain Standard”

93 A-

“Mountain Standard” is a seasonal Black IPA available September through December. Odell labels this a “double black IPA,” which is fitting, although this style doesn't technically exist. All of the hops used in the recipe were grown in Colorado, so for this reason, its name references that particular time zone. Aromas are quite hoppy, predominantly herbal like mint with a hint of spice (cinnamon), underscored by subtle orange peel. Malts are overwhelmed by hops, but smell roasty like semi-sweet chocolate chips, complemented by notes of rolled oats.

The palate starts with a malty mix of smooth chocolate transitioning toward burnt toast. Gentle carbonation rises to set hops in motion, showcasing an herbal spectrum from the middle with notes of grass and evergreen. Hop oils collect on the back, coating the mouth with flavors of pine. Sweetness follows with a rush of toffee to achieve proper balance. A fleeting expression of dark fruit peeks through before the malt roast digs deeper into notes of charred cedar and burnt barley. Mouthfeel is creamy at first, then grows oily with mild astringency toward a dry finish with a reasonable amount of residual sugars left standing.

I look forward to this every year. Its just an all around solid brew with an agreeable malt-to-hop ratio. All of the major flavor components resonate in harmony, as if each ingredient were carefully measured to the find the most agreeable blend. This really exemplifies the best of Odell... their impeccable sense of balance, coupled to excellent flavor, all wrapped up in an unusually drinkable package. It's as if a Double Stout married a Double IPA, but it's not too heavy, and the bitterness doesn't stick around to ruin everything. If you share a passion for both styles, this beer was made for you! I consider this a serious contender for my favorite black IPA, seated alongside Firestone “Wookey Jack,” Stone “Sublimely Self Righteous,” and Founders “Dark Penance.” I recommend it.

9.5%

60 IBU

Fort Collins, Colorado

[beeritual]

Prairie “Pirate Bomb”

98 A+

“Pirate Bomb” is a limited-release Imperial Stout aged in rum casks. This is the barrel version of the notorious “Bomb!” we all know and love, using the same ingredients of coffee, cocoa nibs, vanilla beans, and chili peppers. Aromas release a wonderful blend of espresso, loads of cocoa powder, roasted nuts, molasses, rum, grilled stone fruit, and wood smoke.

The palate follows the nose, beginning with an onslaught of roasted malts that unleash a thick body of dark chocolate and cocoa. Sweetness swells up as maple syrup and raw cane sugar. Balanced bitterness follows with an authentic taste of fresh espresso. The barrel brings out complexities of coconut, charred oak, and vanilla to amplify the natural flavor of the vanilla beans. Rich layers of chocolate continue to resonate while capsaicin settles onto the aftertaste in a spicy bite, merging with the heat of the alcohol to create a very effective cover from the 14% ABV. To add to that, any alcoholic off-flavors which might exist are exchanged for delicious rum. Mouthfeel runs creamy with light carbonation over a full, chewy body.

Just when thought Bomb was great, Pirate Bomb comes along and blows it out of the water. This is a full-flavored, decadent dessert beer where malts completely dominate. Sweetness runs parallel to bitterness in a supremely satisfying ratio. I'm really not sure how could get much better than this! Each ingredient comes through in a most authentic form, all ordered in a desirable sequence. I would consider it the zenith of the Imperial Stout. Sure, this is the most expensive four-pack I've ever purchased, but I believe its worth the cost of $9 dollars a bottle, more so than Bomb or Bible Belt. Seek this out. I highly recommend it!

$35.99/4-pack

14.0%

65 IBU

Krebs, Oklahoma

[beeritual]

Lagunitas “Little Sumpin' Extra”

93 A-

Little Sumpin' Extra is a limited-release Double IPA sold in six-packs during the month of July. Aromas are abundantly hoppy with a panoply of succulent fruity notes, including grapefruit, pineapple, and peach. Yum!

The palate starts out sour, thrust into citrus with grapefruit highlights. Though the malts are easily overwhelmed, a taste of toasted pale grains emerge as biscuits and breads, supplying a supportive sweetness to offset the bitterness accordingly. Fruit flavors resound into the likes of star fruit, pineapple, and apricot. Sugary sweetness remains firm, yet light, infusing fair complexity with an addition of wheat (that little sumpin'). Herbal characters unfold as freshly-cut grass and lemon verbena, coupling to 64 IBU's of bitterness that falls on the back-end. A touch of herbal spice makes a final statement, before prominent yeast notes merge into ester alcohol on the aftertaste. The mouthfeel is ideal in its smooth, oily, and acidic texture amidst lively carbonation.

Lagunitas really know how to work those hops! It carries a full range of succulent, juicy taste without the aggressive bitterness one might typically expect from this style. The “extra” in the title refers to the 8.5% ABV, slightly greater than the others in the Sumpin' family of beers, and what I prefer to call the “goldilocks” point of alcohol to give just enough kick without infringing any further. It isn't exactly easy to drink, because after all, this is a Double IPA. However, the hop oils don't stick around so long as to leave a disastrous impact on your palate. Overall, I find this to be a wonderfully hoppy brew – yet another delight in a fantastic series of fusion IPA's. I recommend it.

8.5%

64 IBU

Petaluma, California

[beeritual]

Dark Horse “Fore Smoked Stout”

90 A-

Fore Smoked Stout is an American Stout featuring peat-smoked malts. This is a winter seasonal belonging to their "holiday stout" series, released in January, and sold in four-packs (I can't believe I've been sitting on this for one year). Aromas resemble charred hickory, dark chocolate, burned coffee, molasses, walnuts, and a faint hint of berries.

The palate makes a roasty start like a bar of dark chocolate with a high percentage of cacao, then dark roasted coffee notes begin to take hold. Details of toasted hazelnut and oat grains fill the middle register. Burnt caramels fall to the back in mild sweetness, which then confront a roasted bitterness to unite in agreeable balance. Alcohol adds a touch of fennel before the closing, where it ends on somewhat of a sour note with a whisper of fruit released from the hops. The aftertaste leaves a lingering taste of campfire smoke and barbecue. Mouthfeel is super creamy and smooth, then gentle carbonation gives way to a dry conclusion.

Overall, I find very little influence from hops – this is all about the malts, and I wouldn't have it any other way. The elements of bitter, sweet, and sour don't necessarily fall in sequence, but everything eventually comes together harmoniously. The smoked grains magnify the roast in a complementary flavor reminiscent of barbecued meat over coals. Its dark complexity could almost be compared to the depth of a Double Stout. Dark Horse know how to work those malts. They sure can brew up there in Michigan! If you're a Stout lover, go get it for the holidays. I recommend it.

7.0%

? IBU

Marshall, Michigan

[beeritual]

Sixpoint “Bengali”

87 B+

Bengali is an American IPA, which is available throughout the year. Sixpoint has really strong identity design, and the tall, slender cans add further originality. Aromas release a fruity blend of peach, apricot, and grapefruit. Herbal notes consist of grass, herb, and evergreen. Malt notes come across as toasted bread with sweet hints of caramel.

The palate closely resembles the nose, starting with malty flavors of biscuits, honey, and caramel to establish a light, yet supportive frame. Citrus-flavored hops give a heavy impression of sweet grapefruit pith, blending with an additional hint of dried apricot. Bitterness falls to the back in a citrus character that closely resembles both grapefruit and orange zest. Herbal tendencies follow in a heavy underbelly of grass, earth, and pine oil. The climax is signaled by a touch of spice, then faint tropical notes embellish the aftertaste. Mouthfeel delivers a medium-weight body over uncharacteristically weak carbonation, which despite it's subtlety, manages to reach a crisp edge with a dry departure.

The combination of proper balance and well-managed bitterness make this fairly drinkable for an IPA. Hops deliver a rather short spectrum where citrus takes the lead, but the combination of flavors is quite refreshing. It's a bit rough on the edges. Some English character comes through to make this slightly more unique, but I'm not impressed overall. When it comes to this most prevalent of styles, there are simply better options out there. It's a fine beer, but I don't necessarily recommend it.

6.5%

69 IBU

Brooklyn, New York

[beeritual]

Bell’s “Kalamazoo Stout”

88 B+

Kalamazoo Stout is an American Stout brewed with licorice. This belongs on Bell’s year-round lineup, and is sold in six-packs. Aromas carry evident notes of coffee, smoked barley, oats, and cocoa powder.

The palate begins smooth and chocolatey before malts develop a roasted edge of coffee. A mouth full of grains adds satisfactory details. Dull bitterness couples to the malt roast to magnify the sense of depth. Hops impart a mildly tart highlight to the back-end, tasting somewhat like dark fruit with a delicate touch of licorice. Charred malt notes continue to linger past the aftertaste. Mouthfeel is very creamy, then shifts toward a coarser feel with a dry conclusion. The flavor decay is rather abrupt, certain to leave one eager for subsequent sips. The body weight is a tad thin for this style, but certainly allows for easy drinking.

Since I so often locate licorice notes in Stouts, it is a very natural addition to the brew. Don’t be off-put by the licorice, because it’s so faint, you probably wouldn’t even guess it were there in a blind taste test. In terms of style, the sweetness is light, so the roast tastes deeper than it might otherwise. I really dig the balance, bold flavor, and drinkability. It doesn’t shout at you, so I think it’s a good study on the foundations of the style. It won’t outright impress you, but it's a solid Stout that's worth checking out if you’re into this style.

6.0%

? IBU

Kalamazoo, Michigan

[beeritual]

Deschutes “Cinder Cone”

90 A-

Cinder Cone is an Amber (Red) Ale, which is available throughout the year in 22 oz. bombers. Aromas are characteristic of the style with evident caramel sweetness, along with hints of roasted grain husk. Hop notes give an immediate impression of sour orange zest. Floral, herbal undertones come in the form of grass and evergreen.

The palate is initiated by a supportive backbone of caramel and bread, which remain steady for the entire duration. In terms of style, the barley roast grows to be quite robust. Amarillo hops take the lead in a citrus character, which is dominated by orange and tangerine. Mild fruity overtones then wash over. Tettnang hops fall to the back in a unique combination of flowers, grass, and spice. A bitterness of 55 IBU's settles comfortably on the aftertaste, where sour highlights continue to radiate. The mouthfeel brings a creamy texture over standard body weight, leaving behind moderate astringency with a crisp, clean departure.

Amber Ales were my first favorite beer style, because the hops typically aren't overbearing on the bitterness, yet still provide some of the more pleasant flavors. An agreeable ratio of sweet, bitter, and sour tastes in accordance to proper style guidelines. It's got enough West-Coast flare to suit modern taste, so in order to like it, you must have at least some tolerance to hops. Deschutes aren't known for drawing outside the lines, so it resides within obvious parameters, and generally won't impress you with much novel flavor. I find it a bit strange this is exclusively sold in bombers, but I guess this makes sense, because Deschutes have an extensive lineup. Cinder Cone is a well-balanced, easy to drink brew that was designed for those of you who like the malts just as much as the hops. I recommend it.

Malts: Roasted barley, Caramel

Hops: Amarillo, Tettnang

$8.56

5.3%

55 IBU

Bend, Oregon

[beeritual]

Founders “Dark Penance”

93 A-

Dark Penance is a newly released fusion, appropriately labeled “Imperial Black India Pale Ale." It's released as a fall seasonal, and available October through December in four-packs. Aromas release a hoppy bouquet of grapefruit peel, wild berries, evergreen, mint, and other herbs. Malts come across like coffee, dark chocolate, and a whisper of smoked barley. Additional notes give a weak impression of licorice and currant.

The palate begins in subdued sweetness, followed by a sudden flow of dark chocolate. Caramel holds its ground while hops leap from the middle, infusing flavors of grapefruit which rise toward a sour climax. As bitterness is ejected onto the back-end, Chinook hops unload a heavy undercurrent of pine and dank herbs. Malts finish in a burnt roast that rings out as rich flavors of cocoa powder and cold, black coffee. Resinous hop oils continue to cling beyond the aftertaste. The mouthfeel is creamy throughout, delivering a full, chewy body that leaves slightly dry and astringent.

Overall, I think this is the darkest, most malty Black IPA I've ever had (which I love). This style fits rather nicely into the rest of the Founders lineup. Although it does in fact contain 100 IBU's of bitterness, the immense depth of roast provides a natural counterpoint of balance to taking the edge off. If you've ever had Stone's Sublimely Self Righteous, this is incredibly similar, but Dark Penance has a darker depth of roast, and slightly different hop definition (I performed a side-by-side comparison to assess the differences). If you're a fan of this novel style, you really have to check this out! I recommend it to those of you who love Double Stouts equally as much as Double IPA's.

Known Malts: Crystal, Midnight Wheat

Known Hops: Chinook, Centennial

$11.99 / 4-pack

8.9%

100 IBU

Grand Rapids, Michigan

[beeritual]

Stone “18th Anniversary”

93 A-

This limited-release Imperial IPA commemorates the 18th Anniversary of Stone. The label proclaims it “the hoppiest golden-brown IPA on earth.” Hops jump from the glass with sticky scents like tropical fruit candy, white grapefruit, orange, lemon balm, and a bite of herbal spice. Malts carry a toasted bread character over a substantial amount of butterscotch sweetness, underscored by a gentle roast carrying minor notes of coffee and cocoa. Alcohol comes out as watered down Scotch.

The palate begins like tropical fruit-infused sweet tea. Citrus fruits progress toward orange and grapefruit, meanwhile, herbal elements take the next step into lemongrass. Considerable sweetness collects in the middle with a firm, supportive layer of caramel. Dark malts add interesting dimensionality in flavors of dark bread and weak drip coffee, which then combine with a spicy twist of hops to produce a taste that closely resembles rye. Earthy bitterness encompass the rear with floral notes that ring over a resinous body of evergreen. Sweetness is eclipsed by a tart climax, giving a final impression of lemon cough drops. Mouthfeel delivers a medium-full body over standard carbonation, developing mild dryness before leaving remnants of alcoholic heat behind. Although hop oils continue to linger, the finish is quite clean.

Stone always does something interesting with their Anniversary IPA's, and this fusion brings together some interesting qualities that truly make it unique. If I were to make up a new style category, I would deem this an Imperial Brown IPA. The malts are what really won me over, because they bring a perfect amount of sweetness to help offset the bitterness. 75 IBU's may appear conservative for this style (especially coming from Stone), but in this case, it's a comfortable number for proper balance. I find the ratio of sweet, bitter, and sour to be agreeable, but the ratio isn't perfect. Considering this style, drinkability isn't bad. It's got a fair price, too! If you really love Stone, then don't let this one pass you by. I recommend it.

Known Hops: El Dorado

Known Malts: English Brown Coffee Malt

$7.98 / 22 oz.

8.5%

75 IBU

Escondido, California

[beeritual]

Evil Twin “I Love You With My Stout”

90 A-

I Love You With My Stout is an Imperial Stout sold in four-packs with an ambiguous release schedule. This is reportedly an offshoot of Evil Twin's Even More Jesus. I don't typically mention labels, but they seriously need a new in-house designer! Aromas bring malt notes of cocoa powder, roasted hazelnuts, caramel-drizzled sweet bread, oatmeal, licorice, and smoked barley. Hops give a very minor impression of citrus.

The palate is initiated by robust sweetness carrying flavors of raw sugar and whipped cream. Roasted barley immediately gives way to a vast body of chocolate. Up from the middle, flavors of vanilla swirl into creamy lactose sugar, and a nutty taste of almond milk. Sweetness continues to press on, surging up to the rear with a weighted infusion of molasses and toffee. Hop oils eventually settle, merging with the dark roast to produce a flavor of burnt, black coffee. A fruity addition of star anise, dates, prunes, and raisins add seductive complexity. The back-end tastes as if simmered in a pan to a rich reduction. Aftertastes bring a touch of spice, along with sour acidity, and residual malt sugars. Mouthfeel is chewy, wet, and slightly syrupy before oils bring a drying conclusion.

This is most certainly an after-dinner, dessert beer. I was immediately struck by the high level of sweetness, to a point that tastes uncharacteristic of the typical approach to this style. Alcohol still manages to shine through more than I like, but 12% is a tough digit to hide. I personally find it a touch too sweet. The price tag is slightly higher than other comparable four-packs from Evil Twin, but the lofty ABV at least helps offset this figure. I'm not crazy about it, but only because I've had better from Evil Twin. If you're a fan of their work, and you love your Double Stouts, then I recommend it.

12.0%

? IBU

(Denmark) Brewed by Two Roads, Stratford, Connecticut

[beeritual]

Firestone “Opal”

86 B+

Opal is a dry-hopped Saison/Farmhouse Ale, which is available year-round in 22 oz. bombers. Aromas are indicative of Belgian yeast, featuring peppery spice, pear, and faint banana. Hops give a fresh display of cucumber, lemon, honeydew melon, and grass.

The palate begins in moderate sweetness as malts unravel earthy hints of wheat bread and raw grain husk. Fruity flavors suggest unripened stone fruit, pear, and white grape. Vinous characters reach their peak in a character similar to white wine (Firestone suggests sauvignon blanc). Hops infuse floral notes before being eclipsed by a sour burst of lemon. Immediately following the wave of citrus, grassy flavors wash onto the back-end, leaving behind a dull bitterness with a salty finish. The mouthfeel starts semi-smooth over a thin body that quickly escalates toward sharp carbonation, then levels off into a more satisfying body weight. The resolution is clean, dry, and incredibly refreshing.

Though the ABV is actually 7.5%, it drinks and tastes more like 5%. Hops really stand at the forefront of the palate, leaving an indelible signature of the West Coast approach. I do think it's a pretty good American Saison, but I'm not at all impressed. I was disappointed to find the yeast so drowned out by hops. When it comes to this style, I prefer less hops, so this isn't exactly to my desired specifications. They didn't capture the proper mouthfeel either. Opal doesn't quite reach Belgian IPA territory, but it certainly comes close! There are sufficient connections to the source, but if you're looking for a true Saison, look elsewhere. Buy at your own discretion.

$6.52 / 22 oz.

7.5%

? IBU

Paso Robles, California

[beeritual]

Evil Twin “Ashtray Heart”

87 B+

Ashtray Heart is a Smoked (Imperial) Stout released as a fall seasonal. Aromas give roasted barley notes that come across like Dutch cocoa, burnt coffee, wood ash, and campfire smoke. Dull caramel sweetness blends with a touch of oatmeal.

The palate makes a bittersweet beginning, where malts begin to taste like a bar of 85% dark chocolate. Light caramel rushes into richer layers of coffee, followed by subtle grain character. Sweetness is quite light for this style, especially as it backs down to make way for a tart infusion of berries and red wine. While a sensitive bitterness descends, hops manage to sneak in a minor touch of earth. All the smoke falls to the back, leaving a lasting flavor of burnt tobacco as the barley roast continues to smolder. Mouthfeel gives a smooth intro before active carbonation takes over, resulting in a coarse, bubbly texture that slowly dries out near the end.

Honestly, I think this needs a little work. When compared to the standard Double, the malts aren't applied in the same weight I've grown accustomed to, so it's not quite as zealous as I tend to prefer. Both sweetness and bitterness are unusually low, so when blended with the sour component, the balance doesn't taste quite right. It has quick flavor decay without much overbleed, so it drinks considerably easy, especially since the alcohol is well-concealed (8.9% is a comfortable digit — not too high or too low). Overall, it's been a real genuine "smoked" experience, but unfortunately, I don't find a very desirable Double Stout at the core. Simply put, there are better tasting Impy Stouts sold at a cheaper price, and they have more alcohol! I think it's at least worth trying once if have a passion for smoked brews.

$13.89 / 4-pack

8.9%

? IBU

Brewed in Stratford, Connecticut

[beeritual]

Prairie “Cherry Funk”

87 B+

Cherry Funk is a limited-release Sour Ale (Wild Ale) brewed with cherries. Aromas are lead by a real genuine expression of sour cherries. The wild yeasts impart sour lactic acid, funky brettanomyces, and notes akin to red wine vinegar.

The palate makes a semi-sweet introduction of tart cherry juice, as if combined with bubbly kombucha. A weak addition of grainy malts land in the middle before citric highlights of lemon juice quickly rise to an astringent climax. Light bitterness follows in flavors of grapefruit juice and red wine. The aftertaste finally shows a bit of earthy, funky yeast. Mouthfeel is pretty crisp, clean, and upbeat with a dry ending.

Cherries are a natural companion to the yeast. In terms of other Sour Ales, the sour element isn't very puckering. Likewise, the funk isn't too funky. I do wish the cherry flavor were pushed further, because it fails to reach the level of intensity I had hoped for. Flavor sustain is quite short, so it rises and falls quickly without much further interest left on the tongue. Despite its weaknesses, I really did enjoy it. Perhaps my hopes for Prairie's sour program were too high? It's good, but there's room for improvement. Of course, it probably would've been better if they barrel-aged it. Though I have enjoyed it, I leave with mixed feelings, because there are far better examples of this style.

7.5%

? IBU

Krebs, Oklahoma

[beeritual]

Hopworks Urban Brewery (HUB) “Rise Up Red”

89 B+

Rise Up Red is a seasonal Amber (Red) Ale released in February, sold in four-packs of 16 oz. cans, and 22 oz. bombers. 100% of the malts and hops used in this brew are certified organic. My sincere gratitude goes out to Frank Creative of Portland, Oregon for their thoughtful donation. Aromas deliver hop notes of tangerine, grass, and pine needles. Malts reveal a nice little showcase of cereal grains with a little something extra.

The palate begins with a sweet backbone of caramelized, toasted malt. Hops immediately jump in with citrus-focused highlights of orange pith and grapefruit zest. As mild bitterness washes onto the back, a resinous underbelly of grass, herb, and pine are exposed. Malts rest at the foot of the palate like a pillow of buttered wheat toast. The mouthfeel is consistently creamy with a moderate body that carries subdued carbonation. It’s easy to drink, not too astringent or oily.

Overall, I find the bitter, sour, and sweet components establish agreeable balance. In terms of hops, the citrus side certainly has something to say, but herbs get the last laugh. I like how they give a swift kick, then fade away real smooth. This is obviously a West Coast interpretation of the style, so it isn’t aggressively hoppy, but certainly draws outside the lines of standard style parameters. This almost comes across like a Red IPA. It’s not outstanding, but there’s plenty to enjoy, so I recommend it.

Known Malts: Caramel, Chocolate

Hops: Cascade, Centennial, Simcoe

5.8%

60 IBU

Portland, Oregon

[beeritual]

Evil Twin “Christmas Eve At A New York City Hotel Room”

92 A-

Christmas Eve At A New York City Hotel Room is an Imperial Stout released as fall seasonal. This is most certainly the longest beer name I've ever seen (it's a little ridiculous). Aromas are heavy on the roasted malts, giving rise to notes of coffee, fudge brownies, toasted bread, roasted walnuts, and smoke. Faint spice can also be detected. Sweetness is reminiscent of molasses and vanilla wafers.

The palate starts in a weak display of caramel sweetness acting on the tip of the tongue. Flavors of coffee flow into a more textured body of chocolate. As the malt roast develops, grainy characters emerge as oatmeal and roasted hazelnuts. More decadent layers of dark chocolate settle onto the underbelly, where the barley tastes as if reduced to ash. A spicy touch of piperine (black pepper) precedes the arrival of mild bitterness. Light vinous qualities evoke cherry and licorice, then alcohol leaves a medicinal tinge of cherry cough syrup. Mouthfeel starts smooth, carbonation rises, and it finishes a little dry.

This is by all means a malt-forward, ultra-roasted Impy Stout. It really digs deep into the darkness and smoke, which I love. The spicy and sour features stand out as oddities. Sweetness keeps fairly consistent to properly balance the bitterness (which tastes somewhere around 75 IBU's). One big downside is the thin mouthfeel. Evil Twin has loads of Double Stouts, and this just might be the darkest. I'll have to re-evaluate it next year to form a more concise opinion. It tastes very much like other ET Double Stouts. If you have a passion for this style, and you like em' real dark, then check it out.

$11.99 / 4-pack

10.0%

? IBU

Brewed in Stratford, Connecticut