 MartinT (4316), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Jun 20, 2006
Here are the results of a 4-year vertical of the following World Wide Stouts: 2001 original (18%), this special 21% batch, 2003 (18.8%), and 2004 (18.8%).
The original 18% was still absolutely decadent, offering a superb aroma of chocolate icing, caramel and utmost luxury. The nascent oxidation fit the caramel perfectly, and the viscous mouthfeel proffered all of the complex sweetness to the shivering tastebuds. An imperial stout version of J.W.Lee’s Harvest Ale, a sweet tooth’s wet dream.
The 21% (rated here) had a drier aroma, which only hinted at its alcohol strength. Shy raisins, dates, and blackberries produced a salient fruit perfume. Cleaner and more straightforward than the 3 other bottles opened at the same time, its viscosity seemed to have been dissipated by its vinosity. Thinner, but also more drinkable and less sweet.
The 2003 (18.8%) version was an interesting union of the first 2 tasted in that it linked chocolate sweetness and fruity lightness. Dry roasted malt character was prominent as well, completing this tantalizing aroma. The silky, rich mouthfeel rendered all the aroma suggested clearly and seductively. This was probably the best balanced of the 4 tasted; not as decadent as the first, but probably classier.
The 2004 version propelled alcohol to the nostrils from a few feet away. This unrefined and undefined aroma was thankfully pushed aside by beautiful black grapes and blackberries enveloped in chocolate. The silky mouthfeel was roughed up by the omnipresent alcohol. Perhaps still too raw and young at this point in its life.
Hophead22 (146), Redlands, California, USA
Jul 10, 2008 Wow, this is good. Dark fruits are all over the place in this one. Super dark, super flavor. The dog, again, liked ths one. Not overwhelming in the least.
wetherel (994), Carlsbad, California, USA
May 25, 2008 Tried from bottle with Atlanta ratebeer crew at 5 Seasons North tasting. Lots of smokey oxidation of the good kind (no cardboard). Sweet malty. Caramel and molasses flavors abound. Dark color (of course). Mellowed and easy to drink. Delicious. Cocacola like aroma notes. The best WWS I’ve ever had. Excellent.
kp (6200), Woodstock, Georgia, USA
May 25, 2008 Date: 05/22/2008
Mode: Bottle
Source: Tasting
Appearance: black, wispy tan head,
Aroma: sweet winey and chocolate aroma with dark fruits,
Body: creamy velvet body,
Flavor: rich chocolate flavor, touch of dark fruit, light wine character, alcohol shows up at the end and is fairly restrained,
Aroma: 8/10; Appearance: 8/10; Flavor: 8/10; Palate: 9/10; Overall: 17/20
Rating: 4.2/5.0
Drinkability: 7/10
Score: ***+/4
shp555 (1376), lilburn, Georgia, USA
May 24, 2008 Pours an opaque black color with a light brown head. Aroma is soy, molasses, brown sugar, chocolate, roast, and just a hint of alcohol. Flavor is thick malty, molasses, caramel, brown sugar, and a sweet molasses finish. Hides the alcohol incredibly well.
unclemattie (1567), Georgia, USA
May 22, 2008 12oz bottle. Aroma is of sweet heat. Molasses, roast. Pours very dark brown. foamy white head. Very heavy bodied. Thick and syrupy. Flavor is very sweet. Full of sugars. Tastes of a smooth roastiness. This bottle has aged extremely well.
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