Santa Cruz Mountain Imperial Stout

Brewed by Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing
Style: Imperial Stout
Santa Cruz, California USA

On tap at the brewpub. Looks pretty good, almost black body with a fluffy light tan head. Aroma is typically organic, i.e. weird. I get some rotten fruit notes peeking out from behind alcohol, cocoa, and roast. Flavor is alright with standard dark chocolate and roasted coffee dynamic. Lots of alcohol thins out the body with astringency. High carbonation, not very drinkable.

Draught at the brewery. This looks like a new tap only release. Thick tan head on a dark brown body. Chocolate, roasted grain, and light alcohol in the aroma. The flavor is dry with some bitter chocolate, and a hot, alcoholic, and astringent finish. Medium bodied. This needs to mellow considerably. maybe if they still have it on in a few months I’ll give it another go, but right now this is hot and pretty hard to drink.