 ClarkVV (3547), Allston, Massachusetts, USA
Nov 7, 2007
Draught snifter at Deep Ellum on 10/17/07
One-finger light-tan head is moderately retained atop an inky, char-black body. High clarity, no lacing.
Bitter, aggressive dark malts certainly don’t seem very de-bittered. BItter cacao-like notes, very dry, and heavily roasted, with end-of-the-pot, dark, dark coffee notes filling up the nostrils and dark chocolate notes sitting lightly on the end, as an afterthought. Vanilla, anise and some definite prunes emerge, but the dark fruit character is headed off by too much dark malt astringency, leaving too much anise and a vapid, dry bitterness. Hops are crudely placed, just as in the first batch of Jah-va. HEAVILY bitter, acidic and full of resin, it exacerbates the already ridiculously overdone malt. Add to this some light fusels, reminding me of glue and stiff, sharp esterized vapors, and it’s not something I’m looking forward to drinking.
Not surprisingly, the dark malt is poured on, with a huge baker’s chocolate bittersweetness. Molasses notes give a tinge of sweetness, but it’s just a tease, as any sweetness is gobbled up by the astringent, oily, bitter dark malt and heavily resinous, palate-numbing hop acids. Not quite as much alcohol in the flavor as in the aroma, I guess, but it’s a moot point. This was undrinkable for me and I didn’t even finish my glass at the bar. Some chewiness to the mouthfeel, thanks to the oats, but what good is chewiness when there is neither malt suppleness nor malt depth? Awful, just awful.
fiver29 (336), Strongsville, Ohio, USA
Oct 13, 2008 Side by side bombers. An 07 and 08. This rating is for both. The 07 pours pitch black with a dark tan head that does not last at all. The 08 pours pitch black with a light tan head that lasts a few minutes. The 07 has a nice aroma of coffee, caramel, molasses, and sweet brown sugar. The 08 also has a nice aroma with fresh coffee, caramel, and light brown sugar. Both brews have a heavy body. Flavor for the 07 is smooth molasses, brown sugar, and coffee flavors melded together nicely. The 08 has fresh coffee, light hops, light brown sugar, and sweet caramel. Overall this is a fine brew. Its excellent fresh and has some complexity at 1 year. I’m not sure I’d let this go past a year. Its delicious.
Angeloregon (2008), Portland, Oregon, USA
Oct 13, 2008 22 ounce bottle from By the Bottle in Vancouver, WA--Another worthy offering from Southern Tier. Pours an almost headless opaque black body with tinges of burgundy around the edges. Chocolate, nutty, boozy nose. Oats shine through and help balance super bold malts. Hops also contribute to spicing and leveling the weight of this beast. Very nice complexity to this beer. Subtle dark fruit flavors backdrop a thick chocolate spine with a clean soft finish.
Benjiehorn (1), Chicago, Illinois, USA
does not count  Oct 13, 2008 A fantastic beer from Southern Tier. The Imperial Oat pours very dark with little white head, and very nice lacing on the glass. (Poured into a brandy snifter.) The aroma was heavy on chocolate and coffee, with hints of vanilla, caramel and oatmeal. The flavors work your way through the palate with dark fruits, oatmeal, coffee, chocolate, and a tinge of sweetness.
Southern Tier does a great job with their seasonal bottles and this is one that I think goes above and beyond the expectations. Great beer!
Jine (869), Nutley, New Jersey, USA
Oct 12, 2008 bottle. Poweful brew. Black as midnight on a moonless night. Smell is stultifyingly strong. Delicious. Southern Tier wins today.
satan165 (134), River Grove, Illinois, USA
Oct 12, 2008 BIG beer! pours as dark as the filthiest bourban stouts ive ever had (i know this isnt one, but its just as black). murky, muddy head gives way to tangled spider webs of cottony lace with a few remaining bubbles on the perimeter of the glass. aroma of chocolate and cola, and hearty oatmeal intermingled with the beginnings of the multitude of alcohol found inside. mouthfeel is silky and smooth, clinging to every crevice of my palate. initial flavor is of strong booze (hardly seems 11% though) and spicy hops that fade gradually and just as your mouth begins to feel clean, the oats and chocolate return to soothe and comfort. the echo between aroma and aftertaste, juxtaposed with the initial flavor shows true balance and complexit, the flavor is a journey that peaks with the immediate bitterness then ebbs with the soft, wonderful finish. this is very substantial, seems physically HUGE like a barley wine, a few sips is like a blow to the head. a masterpiece of imperial stouts, and a centerpiece for southern tier amongst a varied and amazing roster.
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