 ClarkVV (3547), Allston, Massachusetts, USA
Nov 7, 2007
Draught snifter at Deep Ellum on 10/17/07
One-finger light-tan head is moderately retained atop an inky, char-black body. High clarity, no lacing.
Bitter, aggressive dark malts certainly don’t seem very de-bittered. BItter cacao-like notes, very dry, and heavily roasted, with end-of-the-pot, dark, dark coffee notes filling up the nostrils and dark chocolate notes sitting lightly on the end, as an afterthought. Vanilla, anise and some definite prunes emerge, but the dark fruit character is headed off by too much dark malt astringency, leaving too much anise and a vapid, dry bitterness. Hops are crudely placed, just as in the first batch of Jah-va. HEAVILY bitter, acidic and full of resin, it exacerbates the already ridiculously overdone malt. Add to this some light fusels, reminding me of glue and stiff, sharp esterized vapors, and it’s not something I’m looking forward to drinking.
Not surprisingly, the dark malt is poured on, with a huge baker’s chocolate bittersweetness. Molasses notes give a tinge of sweetness, but it’s just a tease, as any sweetness is gobbled up by the astringent, oily, bitter dark malt and heavily resinous, palate-numbing hop acids. Not quite as much alcohol in the flavor as in the aroma, I guess, but it’s a moot point. This was undrinkable for me and I didn’t even finish my glass at the bar. Some chewiness to the mouthfeel, thanks to the oats, but what good is chewiness when there is neither malt suppleness nor malt depth? Awful, just awful.
rocbyter (638), Waterbury, Connecticut, USA
Sep 3, 2008 Malt aroma with lots of alcohol. Opaque brown color with some brown foam. Very sweet beginning that fades lightly in the finish. Alcohol and oat in the end. Palate is creamy and alcohol does not have and overpowering burn.
robinvboyer (998), Sturgeon Falls, Ontario, Canada
Sep 3, 2008 jet black pour with a tiny coffee head that didnt last very long. Aroma is a slap in the face, loads of rosty malt, and the typical full bodied oatmeal aroma. Loads of chocolate, some smoke, mollasses, and soy sauce. Flavour is very full bodied, lots of roastiness, some chocolate, and a big boozy note. the alcohol isvery present, and add lots of warming. A very very nice winter beer, so rich.............its like a bloody meal.
jake65 (1247), Meridian, Idaho, USA
Aug 24, 2008 Bottle: Damn near black with a creamy brown head. Massive aroma of coffee and sweet cocoa. Very true to the oatmeal stout class. Taste is smoky and roasty malt with some light bits of burnt malt. Coffee and some light bitters. More of that oatmeal feel. Rich and potent. Might be picking up a little bit of tobacco? Wow, this was solid. Thanks beerbill!
pinkzambia (881), Boise, Idaho, USA
Aug 23, 2008 22 oz. Bomber: Jet black with a brown head. Strong alcohol in the aroma as well as chocolate and coffee. With the consistency of a warm milkshake, this brew makes you scream HELLO! Rich, thick flavors of chocolate, alcohol, cough syrup. I definitely see the molasses in the flavor. WOW. This brewskie is phenomenal. Thanks Jake65 for sharing this gem.
Indiana_Red (1462), Boise, Idaho, USA
Aug 23, 2008 Ink black pour with a dark tan small head. Lots of sweet molassas, brn sugar and a bit of smoke. Lovly rich carmelized surgar flaror. Smoke and roastd but lacking much of the bitternes o an imperial. Thin but very slick feel. Th oats are perfect. Lingering burnt suger lavor.
If anthing...a bit sweet.
Lovely. Thanks Jake.
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