DuClaw Black Jack Stout

Brewed by DuClaw Brewing Company
Style: Imperial Stout
Abingdon, Maryland USA

Decent Imperial Stout. Enjoyed during December ’06 at the Arundel Mills location. Nothing really distinctive about this one, however, this brew does bring a nice palate for a Micro. Strong and roasty, the Black Jack isn’t to be had lightly.

On Tap @ Arundel Mills-Poured an oily black color w/a slight reddish tint. Roasted malt aroma. Heavy, roasted, smoked espresso flavor. This wasn’t a bad stout, but I thought the Porter I had side by side w/ it was far supperior. This just didn’t have enough balance & depth for me, too one dementionial. Long smoked finish.

This bottled brew from a bottle shop poured a small sized head of foamy finely sized dark brown colored bubbles that was and left behind a opaque no visible carbonation black colored body and a poor lacing. The mild aroma was vinous and dark malt. The mouth feel was smooth at the start and mediumly tingly at the finish with a malt hop bite in the aftertaste. The yummy flavor contained notes of hops and dark malt. Delicious and one I would certainly buy again.

On cask at RFD during RBSG 2006. This was the oak-aged version. Dark brown beer with a brown head. The head fades fast. Head foam resembles phosphates in a pond. This is an ugly beer that smells wonderful. Molasses and licorice to the taste. This would be good served on ice cream. Strong alcohol. Bourbon. Remarkable blend of flavors. Vanilla, but maybe a bit too much. This is tooth numbing, but sweet Jesus, it is good.

2004 vintage - Xmas in July at DuClaw, Bowie. Small roasted nose with hints of dark chocolate; black with a slightly translucent brown edge. No head to speak of. Where this beer really shows its stuff is in the mouthfeel. None of the bourbon-clouded BA Blackjack rubbish we had at RFD two weeks ago... Bright roasted coffee, nice carbonation on the tongue; chocolate, cocoa, marshmallow, perhaps even some hints of clove on the finish. Even with everything going on, it’s still terribly drinkable. I can’t make a succinct comparison to the fresh variety, but a bit of age has certainly only helped here; seems even more refined than the 2005 winter release.

Luxurious black coffee color with off-white tan head. Great burnt roast aroma and crisp bitterness initially on the nose. The flavor is of chocolate malt and somewhat dry though not harsh. The body holds up well throughout and the alcohol doesn’t appear to me over prevalent. Robust & heraty enough for an Imperial. Good showing!

Enjoyed at the pub with my wife and freinds. Served in a shaker pint glass by a sweet, young waitress.
Black bodied brew with a small but tenacious little light brown head, spotty lace. Lightly sweet malt nose, chocolatey roastines with a hint of coffee to boot. Body is med/full, creamy and lightly oily. Plenty of roast flavors, coffee, berry notes, Chocolatey fruity darkness. Finish is lightly sweet, roasty and chocolatey. Very nice and easily quaffable, even at 8% !

Growler sample courtesy of axilla. Reddish, muddy brown body with a minimal head. Aroma of dark chocolate, warm raisins, dark rum, and medium roast. Flavor gives the impression of nut shells, roasted nuts, and rich, dark malt. A good imperial stout for sure, but not a standout among other beasts of the style.