Black Chocolate Stout

A venerable entry in the Imperial Stout category, this broad-shouldered brew that drinks well in its youth yet achieves an incredible depth and complexity with a couple of years of bottle age. Pours a deep, obsidian black, flashing ruby red highlights at the edge of the glass, and capped off by a small, yet velvety smooth dark tan colored head. Aromas of espresso roast, chocolate truffle, baking cocoa, figs, and prunes dominate the nose, with subdued hop notes and alcohol sweetness waiting in the wings. Tom and Rick also noted some distinctly minty, almost wintergreen hop aromas. Complex and inviting, this beer’s flavor swirls with notes of caramel, bittersweet chocolate, Cuban coffee and dried cherries. The high dark/roasted malt content lends an understated, intriguing tartness that is kept in check by the alcohol sweetness. Lee found the balance among hops, specialty malts and alcohol “delightfully drinkable.” This is a lush, silky beer, substantial and filling, with a surfeit of enticing flavors and aromas. A wonderfully enjoyable brew that Tim recommends as an after dinner drink or, better yet, as dessert. This is a stealthy beer that marries myriad flavors and aromas into a harmonious whole, while adeptly concealing its not inconsequential alcohol content. The ideal beer for the holiday season.