Samuel Smiths Imperial Stout

Brewed by Samuel Smith
Style: Imperial Stout
Tadcaster, England

Second-favorite beer? Tied for third? It’s cruel to pit them against each other. You know what I’m saying. Well anyway it’s right up there. I was a Samuel Smith’s Oatmeal Stout guy for years in terms of stouts, never bothering to try this one because I so liked the sweetness of the Oatmeal one. Well they were out of that one day so I got this one. Surprise! I actually liked it better! It was a little sad, so fond had I grown of the Oatmeal. I never told Oatmeal of my new love, but I think it knows now. Sad. I wish I had an Imperial in front of me right now so I could think more about why I like it so much and speak you guys’ language regarding all the tastes and feels. I just know I love it. Go get one of those fat bottles now that the weather is changing and kick back and soak up its rich, hearty goodness. Have some stew, why don’t you? Nod off in front of the fire. This stout’s for you. I sure would like to find it on tap some day.

RateBeer Rating, Style and Glass: 98, Imperial Stout, Snifter ABV, Volume & Calories: 7 % in 12 fl oz. estimated at 170 C Purchased at: Circle Liquors, Pennington, NJ for $3.50 Aroma: tannins, dark, roasted, chocolate, coffee, nice, inviting. 10 out of 10. Visuals: deep, murky, black, opaque, tan, persistent head, loose lace. 5 out of 5. Taste: deep, roasted, liquor, light bitterness, heavy malt flavors, layered, rich, well crafted. 9 out of 10. Palate: soda, heavy, oily, long, deep, delicious finish. 5 out of 5. Overall: Not quite up there with some other imperials, such as Stone, and not nearly as rich nor deep as something like Mikkeller’s Geek Breakfast, but highly available, and very delicious. I’d have it again in a heartbeat. It’s a great beer, and very well crafted. 18 out of 20.

I can’t believe I haven’t reviewed this one yet. Pours out to a dark, yet not completely black color in the glass. Aroma is that of caramel and malt. The taste is where this beer really shines. Molasses, toffee, coffee, caramel and plums are present. The 7% ABV is hidden well with little alcohol presence. The swallow is very good and invites you to drink it again. Not as complex as Bell’s Expedition, but a wonderful beer in its own right.

Wow. This beer is incredible. Even better than their oatmeal stout, which was my favorite stout before this. Exceptionally balanced. Medium to full body, extremely creamy, mildly bitter.

Wow. This is an incredablly smooth beer, with a bit of a coffee taste. The blackness that filled the glasses is the darkest beer I have seen yet. The aroma was very light and the head was not much to talk about. This is a filling and a great tasting beer. Thus far this is one of my favorite beers.

Great Stout. Kinda thinner than I expected, but that's not a knock on it.

A black hole that lets small amounts of deep purple seep out. Beautifully fresh aroma of nuts and fruits. Creamy nuts and chocolate fill the palate and linger. What an amazing brew!

A virtually black beer with chestnut highlights around the rim of the glass. Pours with a dark tan head which quickly dissipates but leaves a small ring around the glass. The aroma is faint and difficult to place. The taste, however, is astounding. Sweetness, hops bitterness, chocolate, a little vanilla, fruit, and nuts all in a creamy mouthfeel. I keep envisioning chocolate covered cherries as I drink this beer.