 Gusler (2656), Tucson, Arizona, USA
Apr 19, 2003
Batch #4 Bottled November 2002:
WOW! What a beauteous site is that pitch-black Imperial Stout setting in my “Chalice, the only glass suitable for such a treasure in my humble opinion.
The head is majestic in size, luxuriant in texture, the color an eye-appealing chocolate, and as it slowly evaporates, a silky sheet of lace is left to fondle the glass. The aroma of deep roasted grains, caramel, Starbucks coffee, sweet milk chocolate, with a noticeable oak tone, almost bourbon like, all rolled up in this wonderfully sniffable nose. Thick bittersweet malt start, the top thick and almost chewy, finish is prickly in its acidity, the hops pointful in their spiciness, the aftertaste is dry as they get. The 10% ABV makes itself known in a light alcohol bitterness and in the quite noticeable “Belly Warming”, WOW! What a treat, especially designed for the lovers of the “Dark Side”, and definitely not meant for the palate challenged.
Miver (380), WillowStreet, Pennsylvania, USA
Aug 13, 2008 750 ml bottle 2002 vintage. Thanks to Axilla for sharing. Poured dark brown in color with a tan head. Aroma of chocolate malts, caramel, dark fruits and spices. Tastes of roasted chocolate malts, caramel malts, dark fruits (even grapes), and mild spices. Has held up very nice.
TURDFERGUSON (1125), Carrboro, North Carolina, USA
Aug 4, 2008 750 ml bottle 2002 vintage shared by axilla or miver, I think. Anyway, thanks guys! Pours dark brown with a tan head. Nice smelling impy shows a bit of oxidation, chocolate, caramel malts, wood. A bit thin on the mouthfeel but still delivers a silky smooth finish. Very enjoyable.
ratman197 (2258), Arvada, Colorado, USA
May 29, 2008 750 ml bottle 2002 vintage poured a translucent black with ruby highlights and a small lasting brown head. Aromas of chocolate, vanilla, cherries, grapes, earthiness, raisins, light coconut, light wood and hints of leather and spice. Palate was light to medium bodied and crisp with a lightly tart finish. Flavors of wine grapes, bitter chocolate, earthiness, carmel, light roastiness and light wood with a smooth lingering lightly tart vinous finish.
Marsiblursi (1393), Göteborg, Sweden
May 1, 2008 Updated: May 15, 2008(Bottle, thanks to JCapriotti) Pours black with thin dark brown lines. Medium brown head. The aroma is very vinous and port like with tones of blue grapes, black berries, raspberries, juicy black cherries, red currant, raisins, figs and hints of wood/okay vanilla. Dry roasted malt is also present with a straight forward chocolate boost. Undertones of lactose, cheese, liquorice, brown sugar and wet earth. The flavour is also very red wine/port-ish vinous with tones of fancy tart blue grapes, cherries, black berries, raisins and some buttery oak. A nice dark chocolate roast from the malt gives the beer another layer of complexity. There are only subtle hints left of the hops both in aroma and flavour. Bit peppery, light salty, some brown sugar and a sting of liquorice. A touch of cheese and milk in the flavour as well. The mouthfeel is tart, fat and light oily. Light sweet, light to medium bitter and medium tart/acid. Aftertaste of sourish grapes and dark chocolate. Medium to full bodied. After 7 years this beer still is a great treat, all though almost all the hops are gone. Like a half and half of fine red wine and a good stout. Marsiblursi likes.
kmweaver (1973), Takoma Park, Maryland, USA
Apr 29, 2008 750mL bottle, Batch 4, courtesy of nflmvp. Thanks, Steve! Pours an oily, dark chocolate color; dark tan head with medium-bubbled lacing. Dark chocolate, Baker’s chocolate, and dark red fruits (currants, cherries) in the aroma. Medium-to-full mouthfeel: slightly chalky, Baker’s chocolate, cocoa, and dark red fruits; intense, chewy chocolate and nougat at the coure; a bit coarse at this point, but still very tasty. Lengthy finish, showing dried red fruits, chocolate, and a touch of toasty oak / toasted bread.
|
