DarkElf (2681), La Jolla, California, USA Jul 2, 2005 <i>(Draft: O’Brien’s in San Diego, CA)</i> I like stouts and porters brewed with coffee, but I think there comes a point where it can become too much of a good thing. This beer is just massive coffee and roast, but it’s very dry, and so the prominent bitterness in the finish is a bit out of balance. And the strong notes of green pepper just aren’t terribly enjoyable. The nose is also straight black coffee, with some spice and green pepper. Medium to full bodied, so it could use a bit more viscosity. Very dark brown color and fully opaque except at the edges. Light brown head fades away to nothing very quickly. Not a bad brew, but below average for Imperial Stouts. Sickboy282 (1083), San Diego, California, USA Jun 28, 2005 Updated: Aug 19, 2007Pours a deep brown/black hue with a halo of a tan head. Aromas of coffee, vanilla. Very light . Flavors of soap, light floral, a little of the typical coffee, chocolate. Vac (2274), San Diego, California, USA May 27, 2005 Pours with a black body with little head and some lacing. It’s slightly sweet yet bitter and roasty with nice coffee notes and a touch of chocolate. Full bodied, dry and slighlty tingly. DrunkAsASkunk (848), Lynnwood, Washington, USA May 27, 2005 This beer was had on tap at Obriens brewpub in San Diego. This beer pours a brownish color with hints of blackness to it, a thin tanned head whcih dissipated rather quickly, and a small sheath of lacing. The aroma is coffee, mocha, chocolate and other roasty hints. The flavor likewise, is full-bodied, thick and dry. Grainy chocolates, vanilla, cocoa, and mocha make up the flavor...sweet dominated, but trust me this isnt a bad thing! Very coffee-ish and trust me, I love coffee. Almost caffienated to some extent. My only knock is the excessively dry finish and the fact that mocha stouts are hard to finish...they get monotonous after the first 8-10 ounces. Overall though very nice. Sledge Jr (2721), Omaha, Nebraska, USA Apr 12, 2005 On tap at the brewpub. Coffee-like aroma. Thin for this style. Black in color. Roasted flavor, but just not thick enough for this style. I’m a little concerned that the server mixed this one up with the porter.
|