This Imperial Coffee Milk Stout presents a luxurious marriage of deep roasted malts and premium Ethiopian Guji coffee beans from the SCHVARZ roastery. The sensory experience is dominated by the coffee's distinctive profile, contributing nuances of dark berries and jasmine to a robust base of dark chocolate and espresso. Lactose provides a velvety, creamy counterpoint to the roasted bitterness, enhancing the beer's richness. At 9.5% ABV, a comforting warmth spreads through the palate, supporting a complex array of charred grain and sweet cream. It is a bold, dessert-like expression of Espressonism, balancing intense roast with refined fruity acidity and a decadent, full-bodied structure.
Appearance.Opaque, midnight black (SRM 40+). It supports a dense, long-lasting head of deep tan foam that leaves thick, persistent lacing. Clarity is opaque and dark.
Aroma.High intensity aroma featuring freshly roasted espresso with floral and blueberry-like hints from the Ethiopian Guji beans. The base offers layers of dark chocolate, burnt sugar, and a creamy, milky sweetness from lactose. Low earthy hop notes are secondary to the rich malt and coffee bouquet.
Taste.Initial impression is a wash of bittersweet dark chocolate and intense coffee. The Guji beans provide a sophisticated fruit-forward character, reminiscent of stone fruit and berries, cutting through the heavy roast. Lactose adds a persistent milk-sugar sweetness that softens the charred grain bitterness. The finish is long and warming with a lingering espresso aftertaste and low hop bitterness.
Mouthfeel.Full-bodied and viscous with a rich, coating creaminess from the lactose addition. Carbonation is moderate-low, accentuating the beer's weight and velvety texture. A clear but well-integrated alcohol warmth is present, without being harsh.