 awaisanen (1161), Irvine, California, USA
Dec 17, 2007
GABF 2007. Pours a dark, slick color of obsidian with subtle hues of black cherry and a thick, tight layer of meringue-like tan. Towering, complex aromas of fresh raspberries erupt from behind a more-than-adequate base of dark chocolate, molasses, and bourbon caramels. The raspberry aroma is really striking in the freshness and natural organic characters it displays, completely devoid of any syrupy, medicinal, or excessively sweet artificial notes that are common in many strong fruit beers. In this, the fruit characters are light and delicate, but distinct at the same time. The caramel notes from the bourbon, vanilla aromatics from the oak, raspberry fruits, and rich dark chocolate malts meld together seamlessly into a fabulous dessert. Full bodied, creamy carbonated mouthfeel with a rich, soft malty texture. Creamy dark chocolate fudge, raisins, and molasses coat the palate first, followed by a wave of fresh raspberry flavors. The fruit flavors linger into the finish, where they’re joined by some silky vanilla and gentle brushes of oaky dryness to clean up the decadent treat off the palate. Clean finish, with the alcohol well hidden. Definitely on the sweet side, but the flavors are superbly balanced, complex, and the oak helps alleviate some of this residual sugar. Some roasted malt and smooth dark coffee beans also crisp up the finish with a balancing dose of roast bitterness. Marvelous brewing creation and perfectly executed fruit marriage with a big, bold imperial stout.
Walt (2287), Chicago, Illinois, USA
May 4, 2008 Pour is black with a thin tan head...smell is raspberyy with no real vanilla or bourbon to speak of...taste is a little bourbon and oaky with tons of raspberry sweetness...blech....
Eyedrinkale (3111), Beer Town, New York, USA
Apr 25, 2008 Served in a sniffer. Actually a strange, little brew. The berries are apparent up front but its missing the key roastiness and chocolate that could make this pretty good. Too bad its not.
chicagodri (548), Chicago, Illinois, USA
Apr 13, 2008 I thought this was a very good beer, but I think I might have had too high of expectations going into it. Pours black with a thin tan head. Heavy chocolate and bourbon aroma and flavor. The raspberry flavor was decent but it had a hard time fighting through the bourbon. Overall, very good though.
Aurelius (2507), Tallahassee, Florida, USA
Apr 12, 2008 Choco-bourbon flavor, medium sweetness. Syrupy at times, alcohol bittering, cola flavors. A bit artificial tasting.
hombrepalo (506), Chicago, Illinois, USA
Mar 24, 2008 On tap @ Rock bottom Fest ’08. The best beer of the Fest and I don’t really care for Stouts. The beer pours to a black body with a foamy thin brown head. The aroma is chocolate, cocoa, raspberries, and roasted charred oats. The flavor is a rich chocolate body with a nice raspberry and vanilla bourbon. Rich creamy chocolate. The palate is coating, sweet, thick, and full bodied.
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