Schooners Vindication

Brewed by Schooners Grille & Brewery
Style: Imperial Stout
Antioch, California USA

Massive tan creamy head. Black and opaque. Strong sour aroma similar to cherries with a dusty chocolate aroma underneath. Very tart up front tempered by the extreme creaminess of the beer. High abv is completely hidden in this beer. Wow, this is excellent. Right up my alley.

Courtesy aspidites. Very dark brown, brown/ruby edges, small off white head. Awesome aroma- roasted malt, sour yeast (barn funk and lactic), cherries, earth, oak, light smoke. Flavor adds chocolate, subtle toffee, more cherry, creamy oak, and subtle white wine. Dry, sour, vinous finish. Medium to medium full body, balanced carbonation. Awesome brew.

Courtesy SoLan. Extremely dark amber pour, thin soapy white head. Fantastic aroma - Brett and cherries at first, then as it warms, fresh cut oak. No real defined stout characters, save for a slight roast mixed in with the cherries. The finish contains some remarkable vinous character and combines smoothly with a mild tartness that has just enough edge to it. A great, unique sour. Props, Alan.

Draft... RBSG ‘08... This beer rocks!... Murky, dark brown ale with a small, creamy, beige head and fat bubbles here and there. Cinnamon, brown sugar, tangy acidity and cherries are a few of the snippets I’m picking up in the nose. The aoma, in fact, reminds me a bit of the Lost Abbey 2008 Sinners (blend) I sample earlier in the day. Full-bodied and creamy with moderate carbonation. The flavor starts off sweet, but is also very nicely bittered with additional notations of fruits and cherries. Dry finish. I love it!

From Draught. Official RBSG "roadie" beer. Dark brown, borderline blackish colored pour, tinged a ruddy brown, topped with a thick layer of creamy tan head. Huge black cherry nose, complimented by some mild underlying balsamic notes. A lightly acidic, pinot grigio vinous character creates a light, crisp freshness in the nose. Pleasant chocolate malt notes come through, but the cherries and acid dominate the nose. Medium light bodied, softly carbonated mouthfeel with a creamy texture and moderate acidity. Lots of cherry flavors, skins and flesh, highlighted by a hint of roast and chocolate. Cherry cordial. The vinous notes don’t seem to come through as much on the palate, but they aren’t really missed - the dark cherry flavors are awesome. My favorite part about this beer is that it’s really more of a chocolatey Flemish Sour than a soured stout. The acid complexities dominate the flavors, while the roast malt lies subtly in the background. At the same time, the creaminess of the palate creates a beautiful balance with the sharpness of the acidity. Thanks to Mike for donating such a special treat!

Courtesy of SoLan. Poured a reddish brown color, with virtually no head at all. The aroma is mind blowing. Cherries, vanilla, oak, sour funk, the slightest hint of roasted grain. Some dark fruits as well. The flavor is amazing. The wine component really shines in the mid-palate, with a creamy flavor closing it out. A bracing acidity finishes this gem out, absolutely spectacular.

Tasted at the May Northern California Beer Tasting. This stout pours a deep black color from the bottle. Small to medium sized tan foamy head. The aroma is tart cherry and chocolate. A medium bodied stout. The malts are chocolate and coffee. The hops are earthy. Lots of sour cheery and funk, with some of that nice stout chocolate and roast malts. The sour flavors dominate. Totally unexpected and very nice. Interesting beer. One of two sour stouts during this tasting. Mouthfeel is full. Finish is clean and crisp. Aftertaste is slightly tart and funky.

On tap @ Bistro BA Fest poured a clear dark brown with a small lingering tan head. Aromas of sour cherry, toffee, chocolate and light vanilla. Palate was light to medium bodied and crisp with a tart finish. Flavors of sour cherry, chocolate, carmel, light smoke and light vanilla with a crisp lingering tart finish.