Another Round of Beer Reviews (Imperial Stout Style)

Just a few more from the backlog...

Boulevard Imperial Stout 2011 (Batch 1)

750ml into a Boulevard Tulip. Purchased at Beertopia in Omaha. Bottle #7978.

Pours a thick jet black. Looks flat at first, but throws a nice head after the pour. Good lacing.

Nose is huge on the whiskey notes. Big roasty imperial stout with smoke and chocolate in large quantities. Smells decadent.

Hot on the tongue, but not overly so for a barrel aged imperial stout. This bottle is good to go, however, with loads of sweet chocolate and touches of bitter roast. A hint of soy sauce on the finish.

Mouth is rich! Reminds me of a young CCB Zhukov, but not quite that thick.

Overall, I'm digging this bad boy. Sitting in a hotel in Omaha, sipping on this on a Friday afternoon... Life is good.

Score:4.1/A-

Alesmith Speedway Stout

750ml into a Founders Balloon tulip at 50F. Purchased at Belmont Party Supply in Dayton, OH in May 2010.

Pours black as night. No light escapes this beer, holding it in the bright Georgia sun, I see nothing but a dark void. A fluffy tan head rises from the blackness, hanging onto the side of my glass as it slowly receeds back into the abyss.

Nose is spectacular. Rich dark flavors of coffee, chocolate, and hints of dark fruits mingle with a welcoming warm alcohol aroma. The nose shows just how well crafted this brew is.

Taste is no less spectacular. The roasted flavors shine through, with the mellow coffee flavors holding it all together. The 12% is present, but not the centerpiece. Just a lovely stout.

Mouth is full-bodied, perfect for carrying the substantial, complex flavors of this brew.

Drinkability is through the roof for the style. I will enjoy sipping this one for a couple hours, and I hope to pick up another whenever I can. Bravo, Alesmith!

Overall:4.68/A+

Smuttynose Short Batch #10 Belgian Imperial Stout

22oz Bottle from CBX poured into a Russian River -tion glass.

Pours black with brownish red highlights. Not much head and even less lacing.

Nose is full of Belgian esters. Lots of dark fruits, and a touch hot.

Taste is more Belgian Strong Dark than Imperial Stout. Way too sweet with tons of esters. Not appealing at all.

Mouth is thin. Like most Belgian Stouts I've had, this one is a bit hot and over attenuated.

Overall, a disappointment. Smuttynose makes some of the best big beers I can get in wide distribution, so this peek into the short batch series was a letdown.

Score:2.68/C