Surly Darkness

bottle courtesy of stfun, thanks a tun! as soon as i popped the bottle i got a very unusual odor. no, can’t be! sure enough, the main thing i smell is pineapple! wtf? super sweet, unmistakable pineapple! this is especially weird for a stout, but i am enjoying the being taken somewhere other than expected thus far! and now to taste.... wow!!! the flavor is as unreal as the smell! i have def never tasted a stout with this level of hop presence! has a huge body with an almost port like feel and sweetness, but then the huge hops kick in, very citrus and sweet, and clean it off the back palate nicely! drinks very smooth, and is well rounded. again, the notable level of hops in such a big dark beer is something i have never experienced before! i want more!

On tap at Barley House in Algonquin well this is how it went down I went to Binny’s in Algonquin today today pick up a 4 pack of Tyranena Dirty Old Man that they had put aside for me well when I walked in there was an old friend there and it was Travis formely of Sams wine and spirits now owend by Binney’s who is now working for Winbdy city Distibution we talked for a while when the beer guy at binnys said that the barlry house had darkness on tap still so you know what did B-line straight to the house the snifter goblett came black with a nice size tan head and a meduim body everything is mediuim in body compared to the lord aromas were of hops roasted malts,chocolates and vanilla taste of the same with a long lasting finish’ very fresh I think that this one could do with a little cellering time to let the hops mellow out they did take to the forefront. this one has hard time cracking my top ten of RIS and it won’t’ it is still very easy drinking and tasty but its just not in my top ten

Thanks to dmac for this. Aroma and appearance were perfect. Totally opaque with nice lacing. Flavor is amazing lots of chocolate lots os hops. I can’t really describe the mouthfeel. Sooo smooth and velvety. Perfect in almost every way

Bavarian Lodge; Surly Darkness tapping! I’ve done this backwards: had the barrel aged version before the main bottle. Anyway, in the 12 oz. snifter goblet, it seems suitably black. Deep brown head shows some staying power. Smooth nose of dark malts with little distraction. Taste starts with some coffee and chocolate. If this had been my first RIS instead of Goose Island BCS years ago, it would have been the same revelatory experience. I find this has a ton of flavor, making the BA version seem like overkill. I’ve got a lot of Imperial Stouts in my cellar, but there’s something to be said for having them fresh. Still a lot of hops and unfermented malt here, too. And a lot of attitude.

2007 Vintage. Dark amber red to brown hue. Nose is dark fruits, thick coffee and cocoa malts, cherries and vanilla, slight vinous scents. Flavor is dark fruits, vinous tones, thick malts, cocoa and coffee malts, overriding flavor is a chocolate-covered cherry, finishes sweet. Medium-full body, light carbonation, thick and chewy texture. Very complex and drinkable at <10%abv, this has mellowed out nicely with age, very delicious and strong all around.

On tap at the Bavarian Lodge in Lisle, IL. Man was I happy I got to this beer before it ran out tonight. The pour was as expected. Just plain black and quite ominous looking. It also came with a big and creamy/wispy mocha head with lace galore. This was a classy and very pretty imperial stout. The nose overall was far from overpowering, but the best way I can describe is that it was just so pleasant. There were lots of creamy mocha and nutty black grains that made for a powdery, hazy malt mixture in the aroma. The smell was also subtly yet nicely balanced with some earth and a vague light citrus. Upon sipping, this beer starts off with a bit of a pop, and then turns nicely into smooth and full feel. The finish then appears like its about to dry out, but then keeps a strong hold of the sweetness in the end. I really liked how the two sides seemed to go back and forth throughout the experience. Flavors notes for this one consisted of a good amount of dark malts, a nutty mocha, good roasted grains, some dark fruits, with a solid backing of hop with thick citrus and light melon. This was a world class beer, and really lived up to my expectations.

Bottle, RBNAG 2009 in Vatlandsvåg. Pitch black colour, low brown head. Complex aroma, chocolate, coffee, soy sauce, prunes. Full and rich flavour, loads of malty sweetness, also some fruitiness, loads of chocolate and caramel, notes of coffee.

Bottle generously shared by bhensonb. This dark brown ale poured with a thin tan head and a strong chocolate aroma. The flavor is so intensely chocolate, it’s as if I’m drinking a chocolate bar. The taste is smooth and clean with a pleasant alcohol finish. Thanks Bill.