AleSmith Speedway Stout

Brewed by AleSmith Brewing Company
Style: Imperial Stout
San Diego, California USA

750 ml bottle, mail ordered from Joey at Southbay on 5/29/07 in Imperial Beach, CA. At time of purchase, this was a fresh bottle I believe. Enjoyed with Gregis. Pour is midnight black with a one inch tan head, with some nice layering. The foam clings to the glass as the head fades, very nice looking. Aroma of roasting coffee beans, cocoa, semi-sweet chocolate and a bright pine hoppiness. Taste is mostly of the coffee, very smooth. The sweetness of the cocoa and chocolate come through also, though pretty muted. The finish is bright, featuring the pine hoppiness. Some lingering heat is evident. Body is medium, actually less full than expected with the big nose and flavor, I have had many fuller bodied Imperial Stouts. This, of course, made this beer really more drinkable than it should be! Overall, I really enjoyed this one, though the coffee was a bit dominant for me. Looks like I should attempt to grab another bottle and put some aged on it. Thanks for doing out of state mail orders, Joey!

Deep black color, amazing mocha head. Nice lacing. Huge nose of coffee, oak, pine, chocolate. Flavor is sweet, creamy, iced coffee, toffee. Such nice carbonation. This is not my style at all, but this is a really special stout. Would rather have a breakfast stout, but this was really good.

Black coal pour. Had a pretty fresh bottle so this is not the aged review. Minimal head. This drink is clearly made by true experts. The craftsmanship is apparent. Robust flavor indeed, but what struck me was the smooth level of coffee flavor. It’s not forceful or overwrought. Mouthfeel is pleasant, not overly heavy. A really well-constructed unique beer. A true semblance of flavor playing the chocolate hints with the coffee. Didn’t taste the clear chocolate like a Young’s Double for instance, but it was in the background. All that said, it’s novel for special occasions and a beer that does give the wow factor, but I can’t say I completely enjoyed the huge taste. More of an intellectual curiosity and appreciation.

25.4 oz bottle. Silver foil, at least 2 years old. Ebony with a dense tan head. Coating crema leaves spots. Nose is coffee and chocolate; mild pine with a dash of orange liqueur. Surprised at how zesty this was. Paired nicely with the silky, slightly sticky, body. Taste is mocha, plum, caramel and cocoa, then bitter with alcohol. Very well done, pleasurable drinking.

750 ml bottle. Pours black and thick as motor oil with essentially no head. Nose was very big on roast coffee with hints of chocolate. Taste was rich blend of coffee and chocolate. Yummy taste. This coats your mouth in blackness. Medium-to-thick mouthfeel with a dry aftertaste. Slight chalkiness and slight hint of alcohol.

Nose of roasty coffee, alcohol, and chocolate. The head is thin with dense, small bubbles. Couldn’t be any blacker. Very unique, incomparable stout.

Bottle @ the wolf tasting. Black with a brown caramel coloured head. Aroma and flavour of roasted malt, coffee and chocolate. A very very good beer.

Thanks to Ken for this one. Dark black body expectedly. Aromas of chocolate and licorice, noticeably sweet. Flavor contains notes of chocolate, has some light roast, and alcohol. Quite full body.