Delafield Czars Choice Russian Imperial Stout

On tap at the Brewhaus. The 2007 is whiskey barrel aged for 12 months. The alcohol is 11.5. Ths is a better stout than the last release. Very balanced, sweet, chocolate, bourbon and vanilla notes. The alcohol is warming but does not overpower. One of John’s best.

On tap at the 2007 GTMW: Pours an oily opaque with a dense, small bubbled frothy dark tan head. Aroma of sweet toasty dark caramel and chocolate malts with maple syrup and a touch of oxidation. Body starts fairly full and sweet with good earthy dark chocolate bitterness and plenty of oaky bourbon warmth. A pretty good barrel-aged imperial stout.

Great stout! Dark, strong, long lasting aftertaste. A true meal in a glass. an excellent example of an Imperial. Looking forward to a return trip.

Festival Tap: Barrel aged goodness. Another huge beer from these guys! Heavy smokey wood aromas lurking behind sweet chocolate and coffee. Oily on the lips, sticky, immediate alcohol fire is quickly drenched by sweet rushes of oozing chocolate with slight touches of dark over-ripened fruits. Dry and woody at the finish with alcohol and bitterness. Damn!

Very dark opaque brown with a small dense tan head. Aromas of dark roasted malts, dark chocolate and hint of peat. I have found with these barrel aged brew the aromas and flavors change dramatically as the temperature changes. Initial flavors are straight forward Imperial stout with dark coffee and mild licorice. As it warms the barrel flavors emerge and blend nicely. Hints of alcohol both in flavor and warmth sooth. Not over the top, just a very balanced and drinkable brew.

Dark brown body, light brown head that almost lasts. Slight oily appearance. Aroma has whiskey and coffee. The first thing that hits you is the whiskey. But it isn’t overpowering at all... closer inspection yields a spicy black licorice with coffee, chocolate, and vanilla notes. Creamy, oily feel, but it isn’t too thick at all. I want to inspect this fine beer again outside of the sampler platter....