Mikkeller Black Hole

This is another MIkkeller classic. This version is toned down in comparison to Mikkeller black, but still delivers. It has great aroma, appearance, mouthfeel, complexity, and finish. None of them are outstanding, or stand out, but everything is brewed to perfection. This is so balanced it’s rediculous.

The color is black as night, or dare I say, a black hole, there’s a thin brown head that has good retention. As I put the glass under my nose, I sensed vanilla and rich chocolate, there’s also a big roasted malt presence underneath. The flavor has a decadent opulence of roasted malt with chocolate and vanilla along for the ride, the alcohol warms the mouth a bit, but it’s not too present, there’s bitterness in the end. The body is near medium with a vinous texture and gentle carbonation. This imperial stout is a very nice sipper on a cold, november evening.

Fascinating! Pours - as expected - dark as night, with a dark mocha-colored head. This stuff is thick and dark enough that the last drizzle I poured through the head actually stained the bubbles darker. Aroma is predominantly (you’ll never guess) dark roasted coffee. Alcohol and bitter chocolate notes are also very apparent. The flavor is where it’s at, though - the alcohol kicks in, and you can easily tell it’s there, but there’s no burn to go along with it. The coffee is certainly there - but unlike the stale espresso grounds I usually get out of stouts, this tastes like fresh-brewed coffee. A wonderful note. Bitter chocolate, too - it’s like an incredibly well made mocha in a beer. The high ABV makes it slightly reminiscent of Mikkeller’s Black, or the DFH World Wide Stout - but this one is certainly about the roasty coffee flavor more than anything. There’s a sweetness there to offset the bitterness a bit - like you added a packet of sugar to your coffee. Huge novelty points, but still probably not something I’d seek out on a regular basis.

Black in color with a smaller head. Aroma is lightly chocolatey with some roast and an odd vegetal essence. Flavor is mediocre at best - Chocolate, cream and some fruit. Decent feel. I totally feel ripped-off by this one. I like Mikkeller and I love Impy stouts, but this seems to be a cruel joke. 99th percentile my ass.

Bottle back from Bruisin’ Ales. The coffee bitterness is very prevalent at first but dissipates as it warms a bit. Big roasted coffee malt and chocolate flavors. Getting some bittersweet chocolate like I just swallowed a tasty piece of chocolate. Finish is a bit sweet. Aroma is slightly bitter and a has a bit of prune as well. Very tasty coffee chocolate bomb here.

Bottle. This beauty poured a deep dark black with minimal tan head. Aromas...WOW, tons of coffee, mocha, and roasted malts jump out of the glass and up your nose. Palate was very smooth with nice body. The flavors were very nice coming back to the coffee, espresso, mocha, roasted malts with a touch of hops at the end. Alcohol was very well hidden. Absolutely fantastic, I am surprised this is only an 83% for the style.

Bottle @ Coles Buffalo NY. Pours an opaque black as night black. Very roasted, chocolate, booze aroma. Taste is very overpowering. Felt peppery burning. Burnt flavors, pepper heat. Boozy. Extreme but unbalanced to the extreme. Didnt really get any of the coffee that this was brewed with. Not for me

Bottle. Pours almost pitch black with a firm brown head. Rich aroma; chocolate, roasted/barbeque notes and a certain tanginess mixed together. Brandy-like notes as it warms. Flavour is roasted with a blend of chocolate and liquorice notes. Finish is a great roasted coffee with lingering hops. Sweeeet! Stingy alcohol notes as well. 20-10-08.