Prairie Artisan Ales (Tulsa, OK)
( http://prairieales.com/ )
Imperial Stout; 13% ABV
This is a Bomb!, but is it Da Bomb, or will it bomb? Let's do some research and find out which of my Trite appellations apply.
Imperial stouts pair well with other string dark flavors, and I've reviewed a few infused or brewed with coffee, cocoa nibs, vanilla beans and others that complement dark roasted malts. This will be the first with the addition of Ancho chilis. Adding "hot" spices can be a boon or a bane depending on your tolerance for and liking of, peppers. How will it balance out here?
Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a snifter. Pours black with a brown head. First whiff and the coffee aroma comes through with....something extra...the chilis? Just a hint, mind you. It has a rich mouthfeel you expect from an Imperial Stout, full with coffee and dark chocolate flavors and bitter edge to balance out the malty sweet. I did not get any overt chili flavor however, and even on repeated sips, no real heat came through, a relief to the spice-averse, but surprising given its bill of ingredients. I think it is "in there", just far enough in the background but not enough to call attention to itself, smelled more than tasted.
A solid entry in the strong stout derby, and one that would go nicely in the beer fridge. If you see one, try one.
My Rating: 4.25 / 5
Untappd: 4.33 / 5
Prost!
No comments:
Post a Comment