Moylans Ryan OSullivans Imperial Stout

Brewed by Moylans Brewery & Restaurant
Style: Imperial Stout
Novato, California USA

Pours a moderately thick, viscous black color with an amber-brown hue along the edges. Initially produces a tight thick tan head, but that disappointingly receeds quite quickly. No lacing noted. Fairly aggressive, rich aromas of charred malts, espresso beans, dark chocolate, candied prunes, figs and molasses along with a bit of nostril dialating alcohol. Thought the mouthfeel could have been just a tad fuller and thicker for a RIS of this strength. Seemed just slightly thin and spritzy. Flavor was big and muscular like the nose. Lots of complex notes of roasted malt, espresso, semi-sweet chocolate, dried dark fruits, currant and a touch of smoke and molasses. If there is such a thing as a West Coast Style RIS, this could be the prototype since the hops make their presence well known with the crisp and bitter long finish. Definitely one to seek out.

Big hiss as the cap comes off, pouring with moderate viscosity. Translucent mahogany edges blur into a deep black body with the slightest cherry accents. Sawdust skitters about for the head. Aroma speaks to a dark nature. Blackened plums, charbroiled chocolate, caramel ribbons coursing through dark chocolate and dense lactic fudge and an ultimatum issued with smoke signal emission. Heavy flavor envelopment. Sticky tar monstrosities careen dark chocolate and stamped espresso and mocha beans. Serious stuff. Tangible fudge served from a french press. Heavily scorched caramel tracts meet blackened oats. Singed maple and vanilla infused into bittersweet chocolate cordials. Big bodied, drenching the palate and sucking the life hitherto, and it’s as balanced as anyone could hope for. Moderate bitterness creeps up with black cocoa, scorched mocha froth tins and hammered espresso grinds. Thanks for the delicious bottle, tpkenned!

"I was very suprised at the quality of this stout. The pour is dark, but not jet black like a lot of Imperials. The aroma is very nice--hints of chocolate and fruitiness. The flavors are chocolately at first, which gives way to a sweet candy-like finish. The bottle says "sherry flavors", and I would tend to agree with that. The mouthfeel is creamy and smooth. A very impressive stout in my opinion. The Moylan’s products are quickly becoming some of my favorites."

nice dark brown/black pour.. aroma of licorice, coffee, etc. medium mouthfeel. somewhat sour flavor. not much bitterness. lots of coffee, roastiness in there. very tasty and the alcohol is very well concealed. very good and moylan’s continues to impress me.

Well... I was in that jackass mood. I took out the behemoth German beer mug that’s like 1.2L and just dumped this in there. Huge head obviously, usual colors. Aroma is all the usual dark malts, coffee, chocolate, caramel, some darker fruits. Flavor is the same, alcohol is hidden well. Not much for hops here, but I’m not complaining about that. Didn’t come off as all that interesting though. Sorta like a bad Speedway.

Head is gone surprisingly quickly. Strong aroma of cocoa and coffee. Very dry flavour and texture. Lots of cocoa, some coffee and a bit of a sour finish. Cocoa flavour lasts a long time.

Malty nose with coffee, caramel and a plum note; Opaque ebony with a small tan head;Malty, java, chocolate flavor and a hoppy note in the finish. Alcohol was well covered!

Bottle. Pours a dark brownish black color. No head to speak of our lacing. Strong aroma of alcohol, malts, caramel, coffee and maybe a touch of apples. Wow what a mouthful. Very silky smooth and rich. Malts, coffee, chocolate and maybe a touch of soy flavoring as well. Very nicely hidden alcohol. Clean and smooth on the finish. I held this brew for about 3 months. Wish I would have drank it sooner.