McKenzie Empress of the C

Malvern Location. Poured used motor oil Black with a small brown head. The aroma was sweet and chocolaty. Flavors were dark chocolate, sweet smoke, and a sort of green olivey finish that I couldn’t figure out. The olive flavor didn’t ruin the beer completely but it did knock it down a few pegs I thought.

Poured an opaque black color with a medium sized, tan head that left nice lacing on the glass. Aroma of chocolate, roasted malts, anise, and floral hops. Taste of more roast and chocolate, with some smoke, and a citrus / cascade hop finish. A little brother to Storm King.

On tap at the Malvern location. Menu said it was like its counterpart Russian Imperial Stouts but not as strong (RIS Lite!). Poured a dark black with reddish / brown edges and a small sized off white head. Light lacing left on the glass. Aromas of roasted malts, chocolate and dark fruits. Tastes of roast, dark chocolate, dark fruits and a nice coffee bitter finish. The bitter chocolate / coffee was a nice balance to the sweet fruits. Light to medium alcohol finish (being a RIS and the alcohol in the finish, I would have guessed this one was more than 7%). Overall, nice and quite drinkable.