DuClaw Black Jack Stout

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

Flip-cap quart bottle, courtesy of Slob. Thanks again, man! Pours like a wintery night in a northern country: dark and forboding, with a sense of calm and solitude. The wintery sky gives way to clouds of dark olive-brown that seem to sit content overhead. Aromas of white chocolate and espresso are immediately noticeable in the nose; these are quickly followed by a faint, almost whispering breeze of red wine and copper. The first sip greets the tongue with a boquet of coffee, chocolate, and fire-glazed sugar. A slight tickle of chocolate pudding comes in from the trees in the distance after the last sip has left the mouth on its way south. Lingering coffee bitterness on the palate is balanced nicely by a slick, coating that is almost devoid of carbonation. Almost perfect beer. Thanks, slob!

December 2003 Release Re-Rate: Lights in my house got sucked into my glass (many times over), dark tan colored lasting head. Perfect carbonation. Thick vicious motor oil feel. Notes of bittersweet chocolate, burnt coffee grinds,black currants, and a touch of earthiness. Even detected maybe a hint of smoke blended with various dark fruits. One of the best efforts yet from these guys. Keep up the great work! December 2002 Release: One of the best beers to date that DuClaw brews (Devils Milk is awesome too). Had to order two pints at the release party so I could let the 2nd one warm up some. Served too cold, the aroma was non-exsistent, but as it warmed.....a great beer (aroma and flavors) arrived! Chocolate and expresso blended together for a semi-sweet malty presence, but then the hops eventually smack you down to bring us a very good balance. As close as you can get to Victory Storm King, without being the King. ;-) If in the Baltimore / DC area, go get some before its gone! Enjoy.

A fantastic coffee stout. Rich roasted mixture of mocha, barley, and of course coffee. Deep black color which light doesn’t penetrate. The espresso of beers. Fantastic.

Impressive lookiing stout. Almost passed the maglite test. Very rich, delious coffee and malt flavors. Heavily cooked, but not burnt malt yet. Something i would like to have a few more times

I had the good fortune of buying a 32 oz bottle of this limited edition beer last winter while enjoying it on tap, and am only now savoring it. It rates right up there with the best from Duclaw's. From the absolute darkness of the appearance with its nice head and good lacing, through to the complex aroma of roasted malt, bittersweet chocolate and coffee. The full-bodied taste is smooth and flavorful, with a nuttiness and intenseness that is awesome.

Aroma is lovely,very dark chocolate,coffee,a tease of burnt perfection.Yes,It’s Black,head,short,no lace.I love the flavor,it’s intense but elegant.Mocha,chocolate,roasty goodness.Palate,velvety and luscious,medium-bodied.This is one fine Imperial stout.Keep up the good work, Jim !

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.

BLACK BLACK BLACK JACK is what this beer should have been called. One of the blackest beers I have ever had. Not to mention one of the smoothest I have tasted as well. This is a great stout and could be offered to anyone, even if they dont like black beer. They should enjoy, but if you are reading this you will enjoy