Smuttynose Imperial Stout

Smuttynose’s Imperial Stout, the latest in their Big Beer Series, pours dark brown to black with little in the way of tannish/brown head. There are rich chocolate and malt sides to the nose, while the beer does well to unite the hop and more sweet elements into a luxurious and dangerous package. An alcohol bite concludes each quaff and refreshes palettes for subsequent sips; additional flavors present in this beer include dark fruit (figs, prunes) and dark roasted coffees and mochas.

 

While the beer is pegged at an 100+ IBU mark, the bold and intense flavor profile of the Imperial Stout ensures that the beer is exquisitely balanced. There is a malt/hop duality that is furthered as the beer continues to warm to room temperature. This is more of a sipping rather than a chugging effort, as the thicker mouth feel and fulfilling body of the Imperial Stout is so substantive that one of Smuttynose’s Big Beers should be adequate to begin and end a night.

Smuttynose’s Imperial Stout would be perfectly paired with lamb, goat, or roasts (pork and beef will do). The beer can be transformed admirably; we linked together crispy chocolates with a stout brownie recipe to create a strong-favored and airy brownie that was the hit of the party. Smuttynose’s website contains a full repository of information about the company’s offerings, latest news, and a release schedule to let all know when their favorite Smuttynose offerings will be back in local stores. While it is available, make every effort to purchase the Imperial Stout – it’s one of the best that we have ever had at NeuFutur. Look for Kindest Find to be available as April’s Big Beer Series effort while Hayseed still will be kicking around until June (or so).

Rating: 9.7/10

Smuttynose Imperial Stout / 9.4% ABV / smuttynose.com/beer/imperial-stout/ / smuttynose.com

Smuttynose Imperial Stout