This Imperial Stout is an exercise in decadence, presenting a viscous, midnight-black pour. The sensory experience is dominated by the savory richness of roasted peanuts and aromatic coffee beans, seamlessly integrated with the sweet, floral depth of whole vanilla beans. French oak maturation imparts a subtle woody structure and tannic complexity that tempers the beer's immense 14% ABV. Layers of bittersweet chocolate and charred malt provide a robust backbone, while the finish is marked by a harmonious interplay of creamy nuttiness and lingering spirituous warmth. It is a powerful, multifaceted expression of the style, balancing intensity with a lush, velvety elegance.
Appearance.Jet black and opaque (40+ SRM). Pours with a thick, creamy, dark tan head with moderate retention. Heavy viscosity is evident, leaving thick legs on the glass when swirled.
Aroma.High intensity. A rich bouquet of freshly roasted coffee and nutty peanuts leads, followed by prominent vanilla bean sweetness. Deep roasted malt provides notes of dark chocolate and espresso, accented by faint vinous dark fruit esters like raisins. Subtle French oak notes provide a hint of spice and cedar. Alcohol is noticeable but smooth.
Taste.Initial impression is of intense dark chocolate and roasted coffee. The mid-palate features roasted peanut character and creamy vanilla. Hop bitterness is moderate but firm, providing enough balance against the significant malt sweetness. The finish is long and complex, featuring toasted oak, charred grain, and a lingering warmth. Flavors are harmonious rather than sharp, maintaining a bittersweet balance.
Mouthfeel.Full to very full-bodied with a chewy, viscous, and syrupy texture. Carbonation is low to moderate. A significant but gentle alcohol warmth is present. Extremely creamy and luscious on the tongue with no harsh astringency.
We use analytics cookies (Google Analytics) to understand how Birrapedia is used and to improve it.
You can accept or reject them. More info in our Privacy Policy.