Samuel Smiths Imperial Stout

Brewed by Samuel Smith
Style: Imperial Stout
Tadcaster, England

A good, well balanced flavor from start to finish. Perfect follow up to any nutritious breakfast.

Re-Rate 08/07/02: I guess many think this beer has slipped over the years, and that the clear bottle decreases its flavor. I have had this bottle since August of 2001 so its a year plus old. Color, is ’Black as The Mid-Pacific on a cloudy night’, the head is quite decent, light chocolate in color, the lace is thick sheets clinging to the glass. Nose ’Ah the Nose’, toasted grains, bitter-sweet chocolate, caramel, malt and one of the ’More Sniffable’ beers around. Front is sweet, creamy rich, the top is full, the finish has a nice crisp acidc bite, dry and a quite acceptable hop presence. Still one of the best ’Stouts’ on the ’Beer market’ today, yesterday and it will be tomorrow. This is one brewery that loves its beer and the drinkers who buy their products. Ranks #119 on my current 1000 beer list.

First impression was olfactory: ’whoa! smell the alcohol!’ Second impression was ’mouth-factory.’ Strong and bold. Fruity ester nuances; a slight prune-like taste (reminded me of the Sam Adams Triple Bock). This beer is black as night. My laser pointer wouldn’t even penetrate it. A very tasty stout, biceps and all. This beer grows hairs on your chest.

black, opaque, fine head, chocolate and plum aroma, thick, oily, a little bit overcarbonated, sweet with a very long complex aftertaste (bitter, fruity, molasses, chocolate); hard to think it’s only 7% - a wonderful beer !

A classic Imperial. Loads of dark roasted malt in both nose and palate; alcohol level noticeable; reminiscent of dark, dried fruit (raisins, figs, prunes); chewey mouthfeel; smooth texture going down; moderate hop bitterness with a long bittersweet finish. The biggest downfall of this brewery is that they package a quality product in clear bottles. Skunk beer is always a possibility, especially the fact that it’s imported.

I would drink this all the time if I had the cash. Pricey but well worth the occasional expense. Great coffee, and fruit notes. Long on the palate, which is good because it tastes so good

There description sums up the appearance and aroma, although it could use a bigger head. The taste is a silky smooth roasted flavor with a great touch of bitterness.

extremely rich and complex flavor, creamy mouthfeel, sweet and very drinkable. one of my personal favorites.