This Imperial Stout offers a luxurious, pitch-black pour that immediately releases a complex bouquet of toasted coconut, bittersweet chocolate, and deep roasted coffee. The collaboration with Tripping Animals brings a decadent weight to the palate, where the 12.5% ABV provides a significant but smooth alcoholic warmth. Layers of dark fruit—reminiscent of prunes and black currants—meld with the creamy coconut and a sturdy malt backbone. The finish is long and bittersweet, balancing charred grain notes with a lingering, velvety sweetness that highlights the seamless integration of rich specialty malts and tropical adjuncts in this bold, harmonious stout.
Appearance.Jet black and fully opaque (40+ SRM). Pours with a dense, dark tan head that shows moderate retention. High viscosity and alcohol content are visible as thick legs coating the glass.
Aroma.High intensity with a rich blend of roasted malts smelling of dark chocolate and espresso, dominated by a prominent toasted coconut character. Moderate esters of plum and raisin are present, alongside a clean but noticeable alcohol presence. Hop aroma is very low, allowing the roasted grain and adjuncts to lead.
Taste.The initial impression is a massive wave of bittersweet chocolate and toasted coconut, followed by deep roasted grain, cocoa, and black licorice. A firm bitterness provides a necessary counterpoint to the intense malt sweetness and high gravity. Mid-palate reveals dried fruit complexity. The finish is lingering and warming with a roasted, chocolatey aftertaste.
Mouthfeel.Full-bodied and exceptionally chewy with a luscious, velvety texture. Carbonation is low to moderate. A significant but smooth alcohol warmth is present and well-integrated, providing a gentle glow without being harsh or solventy.