This Imperial Stout offers a decadent sensory experience shaped by a complex grist of five malts and flaked oats. The 2019 vintage presents a matured, harmonious profile where the initial intensity of roast has softened into nuanced layers of bittersweet dark chocolate, espresso, and black licorice. The addition of oats imparts a luxurious, velvety texture that carries the dark fruit esters—reminiscent of dried figs and plums—across the palate. Designed for slow contemplation, the beer balances its roasted grain bitterness with a smooth malt sweetness, concluding with a gentle, lingering warmth and a creamy, substantial finish.
Appearance.Jet black and opaque (40 SRM). Pours with a thick, deep tan head with moderate retention that leaves fine lacing on the glass.
Aroma.Moderate to high intensity featuring a rich blend of coffee, cocoa, and lightly charred grain. Subtle secondary notes of dark fruit, specifically raisins and prunes, mingle with a faint earthy hop character and a clean, integrated alcohol presence.
Taste.Initial impressions of bittersweet chocolate and roasted coffee beans. The mid-palate reveals complex malt depths of toast and caramel, supported by moderate hop bitterness. Esters of dark plum and fig emerge toward the finish, which is long and smooth with a balanced interplay of roasted grain and residual sweetness.
Mouthfeel.Full-bodied and chewy with a luscious, velvety texture provided by the oats. Low to moderate carbonation and a gentle, smooth alcohol warmth that avoids any harshness.