BJs Tatonka Stout

On tap in El Paso, labeled 6.9%. Pours a clear deep dark brown with a thick tan head. Big body, full mouthfeel, rich malty flavor with a slightly sweet flavor balance. Very nice.

On tap. Poured a mahogany (not dark black like it should be) with a creamy two finger brown head. Aroma had roasted malt and a faint hint of chocolate. Flavor was roasted malt and weak chocolate, with a dry finish. Good beer overall, but lacking to be a good impy.

(On tap at Austin location on September 6, 2008) Wasn’t I just saying "tatonka" this morning at the market? BJ’s Tatonka Stout smells not as heavy as its namesake suggests. How much does a bison weigh, anyway? Its color just a wee bit darker than the porter, and it still has a head after a 40-minute wait. Not bad! (Yes, I’m a slow rater and writer.) There is a very red tint to this one. Am I doing homework for next month’s beer club sampling? Perhaps! Its aroma is just thicker than the porter, no other distinguishable aromas. Its taste just barely smokier (and more balanced) than the porter. This is an "imperial" stout, apparently, but it tastes prett tame. Why would they call it an imperial, let alone a stout? Its light body makes me want to categorize it more as a strong brown ale or porter. Very weird. i’m actually very disappointed in this one, and enjoyed the porter much more. I just don’t taste much in this brew...

7/19/08 On draught at the Tukwila, Wa Brewpub. Aroma is rich roast forward followed by caramel sweetness. Appearance is dark brown with a very well maintained cream colored head. Flavor is creamy sweet, roasty, with no bittering. Mouthfeel is creamy medium full bodied with no carb texture. Overall, too simple.

Coating, spray-on insulation foam. Sweet, tangy, dark malt aroma. Boozy with cherry notes.