 brewandbbq (269), Manchester, New Hampshire, USA
Aug 23, 2007 Updated: Jan 16, 2009
On tap at Ebenezer’s third annual Belgian fest.
Bottles of the product state the ABV at 10%, but De Struise says the beer finished at 13%, and unfiltered.
Although I listed it here under RIS, De Struise insists that is it’s own style- "Royal stout". Not brewed in the tradition for Russian royalty, but with 100% Belgian ingredients and craftmanship, while dedicated to Prince Albert II, King of Belgium.
An exaggerated pour of viscous black liquid from the tap swelled up slowly into the commemorative Ebenezer’s goblet.
The oily, dense brew barely releases it’s grip from the carbonation. Only near the end of the pour, with a ten inch drop from the nozzle, does the cocoa-brown froth shoulder up to the brim.
A solid inch-plus of dense, spongy foam clings to the glass like whipped black forest cake batter.
The body is jet black with no translucency on the edges whatsoever.
Aromatics are extremely rich, complex, and decadent.
Chocolate fudge, espresso grounds, and evaporated Kahlua pave the way, while layers of vineousity, rum-steeped citrus fruits, and pungent hop resin come forward.
An assertive alcohol component follows through only after the massive, dominant stout character fades.
The mouthfeel is, without a doubt, thick and chewy. Mild carbonation is evident, and keeps the brew from being syrupy.
To say that the oily, velvety liquid lingers would be an understatement. A good several minutes is required between sips for Albert to release it’s grip.
The pallet is incredibly balanced for such a strong, massive beer.
An onslaught of dark chocolate, espresso, and roasted malts lend subtlety akin to a ton of bricks.
Plenty of vineousity follows through, as well as a definate green, citrusy, hop presence. The 13% of alcohol steps forward, evident in a chest warming good-bye.
The rich mix of fudge, Marnier spiked cocoa nubs, coffee bean oil, dark roasted malts,
and wine-like undertones,finish with unrelenting duration.
Each sip waves a final
GG (1608), NorCal, California, USA
Nov 7, 2009 A nicely done beer and although it didn’t quite live up to the hype, it was an above average beer and very enjoyable. The beer pours out a mostly black body, soapy tan head with some large bubbles popping up here and there. The head didn’t have much of a lasting impression. Aroma is light dark chocolate, some roasted malt, candi sugar with some light tartness to it. Body has some of the same character as the aroma with some light leather and tobacco notes too. A really nice sipper and glad to have a chance to share it.
iamqueensblvd (176), , Iowa, USA
Nov 5, 2009 chocolate alcohol and fruit on the nose. dark dark pour with lots of brown head. Burnt notes with a hint of chocolate. NO alcohol taste at all which is surprising. dominated by a sweetness and some date or raisin like notes. very nice on the palate. great mouth feel. delicious.
Aquilo (248), California, USA
Nov 5, 2009 Pours black and completely opaque with a super thick and persistent head. Aroma is very mellow chocolate, apricots and gingerbread. Flavor is chocolate, persimmons, and gingerbread again. The malt and the yeast work together in perfect harmony here. This is probably the mellowest stout I have ever tasted. Mouthfeel is light as air. Wow. This is damn good.
jujubeast6000 (768), Houston, Texas, USA
Nov 1, 2009 Reviewed 8/4/2009 (Bottle LOT B6BB):
Pours an extremely dark brown colored body, with a huge foamy tan-brown colored head, lastingish. Aroma of dark fruit, dark grape, fig, and floral, somewhat sweet. Not much roasted notes, but the floral is definitely muted by something. Dark fruit taste, immediately followed by roasted and chocolate flavors. Roasted aftertaste. Dark grape. Like a combo Belgian ale and an imperial stout. Tasty.
thooper41 (384), Oregon, USA
Oct 30, 2009 330mL bottle: appearance is pitch black with pretty dark brown creamy like slow fading head, aroma of roasted malt some coffee some chocolate and also some sweeter notes and very well balanced, flavor is big in roasted malt and coffee flavors and backed with some chocolate. Nicely rounded stout but was expecting more for 10 dollars a bottle.
mixos (50), Greece
Oct 26, 2009 One of my favourites. This Imperial Stout is really a great and complex beer, but absolutely balanced. The best part of it i think is the Aroma ...
SHIG (2012), Aviano, Italy
Oct 25, 2009 Bottle: Poured a deep black color with a tan head. Aroma is sweet with chocolate and coffee. Taste is that of a rugged coffee mixed with dark bakers chocolate. The finish is dry with a fruitness left to the taste buds.
Lyncham (46), Ohio, USA
Oct 23, 2009 This is probalby one of the best imperial stouts I have ever had. This beer is bery complex. The finish hops are the best feature. The tastes stays with you. The dark smooth stout almost seems like a dessert with a crisp sweetness and coffee. Bitter and dry would be the best description.
I was blown away with this stout.
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