Närke Stormaktsporter

Brewed by Närke Kulturbryggeri
Style: Imperial Stout
Örebro, Sweden

Huge thanks to puddintane for bringing this rare brew. Great aroma of bourbon, syrupy malt, and port wine. Deep brown body with a brown head. The palate is too thin for an imperial stout and really detracts from the enjoyability of the beer for me--this would be a weak palate for a porter. The carbonation is very low as well. Tangy malt flavor with some alcohol, a bit of bitterness in the back of your mouth. This beer to me is overrated. It’s enjoyable for sure--but not nearly as good as some the imperial stouts that are rated lower--all in my opinion of course...

Thanks to Dave for the chance to try this beer!! Lots of roastiness in the aroma with a little chocolate or licorice. The taste seemed very roasted with maybe a little coffee or bakers chocolate. While this was a good beer I dont really see what all the fuss is about. Its a solid porter/stout...nothing great but good. The barrel would have to really step things up to make this worthy of its counterparts praise.

Bottle shared by puddintane at C-Bus 6: Pours black with a tan head. Aroma, of chocolate, roasted malts, a hint of alcohol, some fruity notes. Flavor, chocolate, coffee, some roasted notes, and a mild bitterness on the end, some fruits again. Very smooth, medium bodied, solid stuff. Now someone send me the Kaggen.

rbesg06, grand tasting, 05 bottle. really stoof out after some mediocre east european baltic porters. pitch black, steady brown head, looks a treat. great aroma of library books, chocolate cake mix and whipped cream. rich but not cloying texture, hints of chocolate-coated strawberries, rich, faintly woody, excellent stuff. was my favourite beer of the day for a good ten minutes

From a 25cL Bottle, 2004 Vintage. Tasted side by side with the Kaggen version. A flood of densely colored, chocolatey brown goodness pours into my glass, painted delicately with streaks of ruddy tobacco. Nice lacing on the edges of the glass, but the small head of caramelly tan that initially completes the artistic presentation whithers a bit too soon. A gentle swirl of the snifter glass brings it back to life quickly and beautifully. Intoxicating aromas of rich english toffee served over a toasted graham cracker with a drizzle of rich chocolate syrup. A touch of molasses and freshly baked rum raisin bread compliment gorgeously, leaving behind that lingering hint of spiced rum as I back my nose reluctantly out of the glass and prepare for the first sip. Full bodied, creamy soft mouthfeel with a gentle tickle of carbonation on the tongue. The flavors do not disappoint. Loads of dark breads start off the palate, filled with juicy prunes that have been softened in a rummy molasses. A delicate spice tingles the palate gently, bringing visions of cardamom. A decadent tobacco thickness begins the gentle climb away from the fruity malt characters and into the drier domain that ultimately leaves a dry, unsweetened chocolate smack left resting on the tongue. After a patient and enjoyable wait, a touch of charred oak comes out on the very back end. Fabulous. Not very roasty in the spectrum of things, but the chocolate tones are more than enough to dry up the exquisite dark fruity malts present. Fantastic brew overall, and dare I say, possibly even under-rated on this site. Thanks for sharing, Chris!

bottle. tasting at DTE. pours black as pitch. dark brown head. fantastik chokolate aroma. incredible beer. deeply roasted. chokolate coffee liqerice. simpsons quote: "good for what ales ya". gotta give it 5.

Bottle... This beer rocks!... Pitch black ale with a mid-sized, creamy, light brown head. Rich, milk chocolate covered cherries and melted caramel with whispers of soy sauce and leather compose the aroma. Like the Kaggen, it’s a bit green with notes of acetaldehyde. Again, I’m supersensitive to the compound so most drinkers wouldn’t notice. A treat for the nose nonetheless. The flavor is robust with excellent balance. Hearty, roasted, sweet-malt backbone with moderate bitterness to match. Chocolaty and warming. Full-bodied with a velvety mouthfeel and subtle carbonation. Lengthy, chocolaty, lightly bitter finish with a pinch of salt. World class brew! I wish there were more!

Bottle. There’s nothing that hasn’t already been said about this beer. It is truely impressive, from the thick, ink black pour and creamy chocolate brown head to the sweet aroma of chocolate powder and liquorice. The palate, which caresses the tongue with an initial tickle of carbonation before a snap of dark chocolate and expresso, is the most memorable of any beer I’ve had to date. The taste is so layered you’ll run out of superlatives long before you reach the end of the bottle. On my list were charchol, tar, tobacco, plums, expresso, and bitter chocolate. The Kaggen betters this by a whisker - but it’s close, and with another year or so in my cellar I’m certain my remaining bottles will produce a perfect 5.