McKenzie 5 Czars Imperial Stout

Formerly brewed at McKenzie Brew House
Style: Imperial Stout
Glen Mills, Pennsylvania USA

#1,500 for me. Impy stouts get a reputation for being heavy and alcoholic and overdone in general. This one is as smooth as silk, very complex, extremely well balanced, and subtle in its approach. Yes, the alcohol is well hidden, and the beer is exquisite. Deep black pour with huge khaki head. So much head and such incredible smoothness that I swear this was nitrogenated. Aroma of roasty malt, big chocoff, licorice, dark fruit. Tastes roasty malty, with gigantic chocoff elements, and a very smooth, dense, complex finish. This reminds me a lot of the Central Waters BRBBS. Acquires a slight tartness as it warms, and keeps pounding you with complex taste and aroma elements, and that fabulous mouthfeel. One of the best Impy stouts of all time, bar none. Ratebeer needs to do a collaboration with these guys.

This is the perfect beer. The imperial stout toffee chocolate cofee hit is perfectly balanced. It lingers as long as you would want if you are a true imperial stout fan... the lace is worthy of a photo shoot. These guys are the kings of imperial stout.

Pours thick and black with a small dark brown ring. Sweet milk chocolate, coffee, and licorice aroma. The flavors incredibly complex...chocolate cake, roast, smoke, sweet licorice, etc. Great stuff!!

A pitch black beer with a brown head. The aroma is of chocolate and alcocohol, combined with a slight acidity and alcohol - a super aroma. The flavor is sweet and very roasted, but also with strong notes of vanilla, and light notes of alcohol, towards the end quite bitter coffee notes comes along, before the final is dry and alcoholic. It is a shame, that this is not made anymore. For me it was the top beer of RBSG 2006.

Bottle shared at the First Annual Florida Ratebeer Gathering. <P> Aroma was very roasty with more coffee than chocolate in the nose. Deep black with a dark mocha head and very lively carbonation for an Impy. Very roasty with a spot on thickness and subtle dark chocolate notes followed by a creamy almost milk-like sweetness in the finish and a bitter lingering aftertaste. This walked the tastebuds through a nice range of flavors. Wish i could get more.

Another gem from zathrus13. Poured out a dark brown, almost black, with a nice foamy head. one of those heads that just makes a beer look friggin amazing. Nose was quite chocolatey, big roastiness that hit the spot on this particular day. Taste lets a little hop into the picture, but its overshadowed big time by the chocolatey roast and wonderful sweetness. Thoroughly enjoyed this impy.

750 ml crowned bottle brewed on February 1, 2004. Appearance: Atramentous body when held up to the sun and an initially fluffy, mocha colored head that sags a bit but still manages to hang around. A moderate amount of lacing on the sides of the glass. Aromas: Roasted coffee, vanilla bean, cloves, chocolate and a Strong undertow of spiciness. All of the aromatic sensations ar extremely rich and bold but not overpowering. Flavor/Palate: Ever so slightly acidic on the palate with strong notes of roasted Colombia coffee, godiva chocolate, currants, a strong spicy finish and a late rising tide of warming alcohol. The perfect brew to accompany one when sitting out on the deck watching the ocean with a slight spring chill in the air. Heaven.

GABF 2004: Very dark opaque black with a thick dark tan/light brown head. Aroma is sweet, robust and malty with a touch of oak. Very unique smokey bacon, soy and brown sugar body has good complexity and a smooth dark chocolatey finish. Definitely an interesting imperial and very well done at that.