Back Street Arnold Stoutzenegger

Brewed by Back Street Brewery (Yorba Linda)
Style: Imperial Stout
Yorba Linda, California USA

On tap at the Irvine location. Also had a growler fill, which was unfortunately poorly filled, creating a heavily oxidized serving of an un-rateable and unsharable 64oz mess - good thing I had a fresh pint at the brewery. Pours an opaque dark black color with a healthy head of bubbly tan. Roasted coffee tones and a large dose of minty hops dominates the aroma. A smidgen of molasses and dark chocolate give it a bit of a deep chewy smell. Medium bodied, sparkling carbonated mouthfeel with some soft edges. Lots of roast character initially on the palate, along with some dark meaty soyish notes. Plenty of minty bitterness and roast character. A touch of smokey character enhances the toasty malt body nicely. Well balanced and quite tasty, but no single dimension stands out to make this one truly memorable. Another solid brew from a local brewer that, unfortunately, goes highly unnoticed.

I was pleasantly surpirsed by this one. First, they usually dont do the bigger beers and two, when they do they typically flop. Anyways this was a coal black brew with a decent muddy head sitting on top like some chocolate whipped cream. Big roasted(almost burnt) nose. Mouthfeel is slightly oily, full and velvety. Big roasted flavor with some coffee and hints of dark fruit(plums, prunes etc.). An all around solid brew that was thoroughly enjoyed while waiting for my pizza.