Scotch Irish Tsarina Katarina Imperial Stout

Formerly brewed at Heritage Brewing Limited
Style: Imperial Stout
Carleton Place, Canada

courtesy of Oakes; 2005 vintage - pours an impressive pitch black colour under a big creamy, brown tainted head; roasted mocha aroma and some metallic notes; the palate begins thick and oily but finishes surprisingly thin; increasing bitterness in the aftertaste where tones of milk coffee barely hide more metallic notes - not fully convincing

Bottle. Pitch black colour with a huge head. Light roasted aroma and flavour with notes of chocolate and hints of liquoirce. Very nice endeed.

341ml bottle, vintage 2005 acquired in trade with blankboy (thanks!). Poured a dark black with a huge (6 finger) sized brown head. Aromas of coffee, vanilla, roast, dark fruits and on the earthy side. Tastes of roast, coffee, some chocolate, dark fruits, and light vanilla. Body was a tad on the thin side for an imperial stout.

Tasted blind at Sk8vikings amazing Porter/Stout tasting - Black body, with a very dark head; Unclear nose, complex but lacks depth, sherry, some licorice, a little metallic, little sour cherry; Soft, a little acidy watery body; Into medium long cold coffee like a little acidy finish that lacks a bit balance - By the way, this label is by far one of my favorites!!!

Black with cola brown hues. Rich beige foam fizzles into a tight ring. Intensely earthy and roasty aroma with ink and molasses notes. Touches of blackcurrants, lactose, coffee, and phenols. Soft prickles of carbonation. Very loose. Unripe plum acidity couples with dryly chalky roast, upfront. Pungently earthy roast and potting soil are cut by juicy whispers of coffee and juicy black licorice. Poorly conditioned, overall, and the lactic acidity and phenols further hinder the body’s fullness. Finishes inky soft and far less roasty, with lactic remnants which negate the richer malt elements. Unfortunately, phenols are beginning to exude from the wonderful aroma, but that doesn’t make up for the poor conditioning, acidity, and thinness. This is said to "improve in the cellar for several years," according to the description. I wouldn’t count on it.

Bottle. Black colour with a brown head. Light roasted, chocolate, coffee aroma and taste. Medium body with a light dry finish.

(Blind rating at sk8viking’s.) Pours black with a brown head. Rather sour with aromas of coffee and dark fruits. Hint of iron. Espresso finish.

Bottle. Black coloured with a beige head. Aroma of malts and liquorice with roasted notes. Roasted flavour of liquorice and fruits.