 Ernest (4254), Boulder, Colorado, USA
Dec 28, 2004 Updated: Oct 5, 2008
Bottle. Head is initially large, frothy, brown, mostly lasting. Body is absolutely opaque black (flashlight tested). Aroma is moderately malty (chocolate, roasted grain), moderately hoppy (resin, grapefruit), with a strong note of raw wood, other notes of vanilla, varnish, and alcohol. Flavor is heavily sweet, lightly acidic, lightly bitter. Finish is moderately sweet, moderately acidic, moderately bitter. Full body, creamy texture, soft carbonation, moderately alcoholic. Seriously...ehhh...wayyyy too much raw wood aroma (which comes across in the aftertaste as well, as if I’ve been sucking on a piece of wood). As big as the aroma is in other ways, the wood (and a varnish-like smell, oddly enough) really hurt the score in that respect. Still looks great and has a luscious mouthfeel, but damn...ease down on the wood, guys!
oldbaldguy (12), , Minnesota, USA
Oct 12, 2008 Great aroma with hoppiness balanced nicely with a big blast of oak. Taste is also balanced with very complex malt flavor. I get strong flavor of dark fruit such as plum and raisin. The oak seems more assertive than other beers in this style that I’ve tried, but I find this to balance perfectly. This one is a winner.
Indulgence (124), Ajo, Arizona, USA
Oct 12, 2008 It’s clear why this is one of the best... a beer with distinct character of aroma, flavor and balance.... the hops provide an fruity sweet acidic balance to the dark roast of malts... smooth and alcohol is almost non existant. This goes great with cheesecake.
BarliTruebeard (17), Greeley, Colorado, USA
Oct 3, 2008 This has got to be one of my most favorite imperial stouts of all time. Rich thick head, excellent lacing. Aroma of chocolate, toffee, vanilla, wood. Extra creamy smooth taste. The alcohol bite is covered well by the wood chips. One of the best I’ve had. I highly recommend pairing this with vanilla icecream. Oh so good. Better than Old Rasputin and Stone IRS and Ten Fidy.
Rune (1812), Tromsø, Norway
Oct 3, 2008 Completely black body with a dark brownish, bubbly head. Great glass-lacing. Succulent aromas of cocoa and hops together with a peaty touch behind it all. Well blended taste of chocolate, caramel and roasted malts backed by hops and gentle liquorice acidity. Even bitter coffee notes can be spotted. Smooth and velvet in the mouth. Harmonious and amazingly balanced. Nothing less than a masterpiece (500ml from tap shared with larsga and reakt at Plan B, Copenhagen 15.09.2008, and 250ml on tap - guest brew - at Nørrebro Bryghus, Copenhagen 20.09.2008).
mwelsh13 (193), Maryland, USA
Oct 2, 2008 2005 bomber. Very little pop when I opened the bottle. Poured a jet black with a medium oil consistency. Deep aromas of raisin, fig, molasses, currants, and some wood. Very smooth. No hop bitterness or roast dryness. A lot of chocolate with some vanilla/butterscotch flavors. Aged nicely.
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