Eel River Ravens Eye Imperial Stout

Brewed by Eel River Brewing Company
Style: Imperial Stout
Fortuna, California USA

Pours black with a small light creamy tan head. Aroma is heavy on the chocolate and molasses. A bit of nuttiness and burnt toast malt note. Flavor stars with a very rich chocolate malt sweetness, almost to the point of pushing away any other flavors. A bit of dark chocolate bitterness comes out towards the finish with some creamy caramel and toffee notes. Medium body which is not good for a imperial stout and cloyingly active on the carbonation. Not a bad beer but definitely not a top tier IS

Bottle. I finally see why my friends get picky over Imperial Stouts, most are decent, some are great. This one does not stand out, heavy malt, roasted flavors, some coffee, earthy tones, and alcohol. Nothing too special here.

More interesting than anything and seemed more like a Porter to me. Appearance: Dark black, with a nice dark head of foam. Looked tasty. Smell: Had the traditional RIS aroma, heavy fruit, molasses, caramels. There was more hop aroma that I typically would expect. Taste: The initial impression was that it was thin for RIS, then flavors of molassis and cherry/plum fruitiness with some unexpected smokey flavors as well. The finish is dominated with Washington State Hops (Cascades?) which are not my favorite, but under control here, so it did not ruin the beer for me. This seemed more a good Porter to me. Mouthfeel was too thin for an RIS Drinkability was about average. A good beer to enjoy slowly.

22oz. Bottle: Aroma of chocolate, roasted malts, alcohol, soy sauce, and mocha. Poured black in color with a medium-sized, dense, light brown head that lasted throughout. Clear. Lightly sparkling. Lightly sweet flavor. Tastes of chocolate, malts, roasting, mocha, burnt malts, alcohol, and coffee. Medium to full body. Thick, creamy, then chalky texture. Average carbonation. Burnt malt finish.

Cellar Reduction Night, Oct 20, 2007. Courtesy of Skyview. Black color with a thin head. A little coffee in the aroma. Strong dry roasted barley taste and a lot of raw, grain. Pretty straight forward and simple.

Small brown head with fair retention, lacing was spotty. Black pour. Light nose of roast and coffee, lightly fruity. Medium body, lightly oily on the palate. Laid back roast and coffee flavors, light pineyness with some berryish and sweet malt notes. Lightly sweet malty roasty finish. Props to captaincougar for the bomber. Thanks Tom!

gives off a strong flavor, lots of dark malts, coffee, fruits with a slightly chewy taste. strong flavor, very tasty.

Bottle. A black beer with a beige head. The aroma is of chocolate, so is the taste but a bit fruity and roasted. Medium body with a sweet dry finish.