Kaggen! Stormaktsporter - Närke Kulturbryggeri AB

Crosling

Colorado

4.63/5  rDev -0.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Bottle, 2005, Akkurat, Stockholm, Sweden. Inky black pour, opaque, with a lasting filmy head of dark brown foam. Aroma is multi-dimensional and incredibly impressive, with hints of tobacco leaves, honey, every decadent dessert (truffle and fudge cake,) and a light touch of whiskey. Wow, what a nose. Flavor is incredible, but doesn't have the expression, definition or finish of the regular Stormaktsporter. Flavors of chocolate and caramel, toffee and cappuccino, while the barrel contributes a touch of whiskey. A world class beer, but I prefer the regular Stormaktsporter.

Serving type: bottle

06-11-2008 14:52:31 | More by Crosling

sprinkle

Michigan

4.63/5  rDev -0.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Does it live up to the hype? In a word...YES! I wish I could be sipping on this at my local pub! This beer pours pretty black with a little bit thicker deep tan head than the regular Imp. Stout. Rich molassis, smokey, toasty with a hint of alc. but not offputting. Rich chocolate malts, deep tastes of bakers chocolate and slight hazelnut flavors. This brew is pretty round, not the biggest brew but this beer is focused on the finesse and that it has. Very silky with fine tannins and well intergrated oak. Finish lasts for minutes. '05 vintage

Serving type: bottle

08-25-2009 12:53:30 | More by sprinkle

KickInTheChalice

Illinois

4.63/5  rDev -0.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 8 oz. bottle into a tasting glass. 2008 vintage. Thanks a ton to Paulmpapp for bringing this out to our whale tasting.

Appearance: Typical RIS look - ebony black color with a fairly thin tan head of creamy bubbles slowly fades to a collar and leaves a thin sheet of lace.

Smell: The aroma is very balanced and smooth. Some sweet bourbon, raisins, figs, and dark roasted malt are all subtle and blended so well together. Dark chocolate and a bit of espresso round out the nose.

Taste: The flavor is pretty much exactly what I want out of a barrel aged imperial stout. Smooth, sweet bourbon comes in first and slowly lets in the fig, raisin, cherry, and roasted malt blend beautifully together. Some dark chocolate fudge, vanilla, and light espresso notes are in the background. The finish has a bit more bourbon and finishes fairly clean.

Mouthfeel: The carbonation is smooth, with just enough crispness to excite the tongue along with the bourbon. The body is on the fuller side of medium and consistent all the way through. Slightly sticky on the lips.

Overall: Clearly, this is one of the best imperial stouts I have had. No individual flavor really stands out, but the flavors in concert work so well together.

Serving type: bottle

10-30-2011 22:50:28 | More by KickInTheChalice

HopHead84

California

4.6/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I'm not one for landmark reviews, but I must point out that this is review 450 proper. After the site crash last weekend I've found myself with one extra phantom review. So, review 450, here goes.

2007 vintage. Thanks Masterski! Consumed on 10/10/2009 with Overlord and Masterski at our Pre Lost Abbey Sinners/Saints dinner tasting and poured into a snifter. It appears black with a one finger light brown head which dissipates in a minute and leaves behind just a little lacing.

What immediately strikes me about the nose is a distinct smoky or peaty character imparted by the single malt barrels. I've had the 2007 vintage of the regular Stormaktsporter and it's amazing how much smokiness Kaggen took from the barrels in a matter of 3 months. The malt is charred with strong notes of dark chocolate cake, molasses, dark fruits, and a little vanilla. I detect licorice and well integrated coffee. The honey is unmistakable.

The flavor opens up roasted, toasted, and peaty with that same chocolate cake. Honey becomes evident midpalate and adds a touch of sweetness. The malt is charred with moderate booze, dark fruits, oak, and some molasses. The beer is tannic with notes of anise and a little caramel. Booze is well hidden throughout. The finish is a recapitulation and leaves me wanting more.

The beer is full bodied with low-moderate carbonation and a smooth, sticky, viscous, and creamy mouthfeel. Thanks again, Alex, for this rare treat that I thought I might never try.

Serving type: bottle

10-12-2009 04:20:15 | More by HopHead84

rhinos00

Colorado

4.6/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Monumental thanks to Frank for giving me the opportunity to try this beer. Split amongst friends. Poured from a bottle into a wine glass. 2007 Vintage.

A- Pours a black coffee color with tan hues towards the edges of the glass when held into light. Zero visibility. Produced a half fingers width of tan head, quickly reduced to a soapy ring. Minimal lacing.

S- Incredibly rich! Compilation of various aromas. Almost like chocolate brownies doused in bourbon. Picked up plenty of toffee, caramel with some vanilla. Just fantastic. If you take in a deep enough of a whiff, you can feel the alcohol tinge the nose hairs.

T- Upfront, you get a subtle, roasted malt flavor with a chocolate character. Transitions into a smooth, mellow bourbon taste with a vanilla, sweet chocolate finish. What I really liked was that the bourbon was well integrated in this beer...almost played a complimentary role. The only way I can some up the experience is that it is akin to chewing a savory, dark chocolate ball that slowly releases a 28-year-old bourbon as it is consumed.

M- Medium to heavy bodied. Pretty viscous with a nice chewiness. Has a slight creamy texture.

D- While the alcohol wasn't too noticeable in the taste, there is a residual burn in the chest area. Still, a very mellow BA imperial stout.

Overall, what a fantastic beer! As stated before, I have never come across a beer that integrated the bourbon flavors so well. It was so smooth and mellow, just an easy drinker with tons of flavor. Not much else I can say...I am satisfied.

Serving type: bottle

01-08-2010 04:10:33 | More by rhinos00

boothbeer

Illinois

4.58/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

2007 vintage split 3 ways into wine glass. Surprised to actually be trying this beer.

Pours pitch black with dark tan head that leaves a thin film on the top. Nice ring of tad head around the edge of the glass. The tan head actually looks like it was painted on the top of the beer with a paintbrush- marble and swirls.

Smells is fantastic. Picking up chocolate, coconut , hint of vanilla and bourbon, and lots of toasty malts.

Very roasty taste. Toasted malts and dark chocolate up front. Some bourbon and oaky finish. Very flavorful and complex. All the flavors complement each other very well.

Very smooth and creamy with a slight tingle on the palate.

This is an amazing beer, but I could probably only drink one bottle of this. Thoroughly enjoyed this beer!

Serving type: bottle

01-08-2010 22:51:41 | More by boothbeer

ucusty

North Carolina

4.58/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to AskOfficerFriendly for sharing! Vintage 2006. Dark pour with a thin chestnut colored head. Aroma consists of honey, and roasted malts. Full bodied & a creamy mouth-feel. Complex flavors Vanilla, Chocolate, roasted malts, coffee and dark fruits. Dry finish! Wow what a solid beer

Serving type: bottle

05-29-2010 16:04:21 | More by ucusty

koopa

New Jersey

4.56/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

2008 Vintage

Appearance: Inky black pour with a minimal khaki crown that show little retention or lace.

Smell: Lightly charred oak, grainy roast malt, a hint of black strap molasses, faint cocoa powder notes, and a touch of floral heather.

Taste: Lightly charred oak, grainy roast malt, dash of alcohol, brewing salts, and a dash of vanilla.


Mouthfeel: Really nice thick body. Just shy of syrupy. Rib sticking and satisfying with moderate carbonation.

Overall: Damn this is a solid barrel aged stout. Would drink this regularly if it was more readily available. Super drinkable, well nuanced, and perfectly brewed.

Serving type: bottle

01-26-2013 00:34:16 | More by koopa

pompix

France

4.55/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Vintage 2008

Apparence : Black, compact head.

Smell : Dark fruits (blackcurrant), chocolate, vanilla, coffee, woody notes, vinous, spicy... Wow wow wow, really GREAT !

Taste : More or less the same, very long finish, incredible !

Mouthfeel : Creamy, full bodied, low carbonation, Perfect !

Drinkability : So Drinkable, where is alcohol ?

A true Monster !

Serving type: bottle

07-23-2010 08:19:57 | More by pompix

callmemickey

Pennsylvania

4.55/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

2008 Kaggen enjoyed at Akkurat

A: Deep black body with a smallish khaki head of tight bubbles. Receded over a minute or two leaving behind some whispy lacing.

S: Delicate milk chocolate, bourbon, vanilla and some oak. The bourbon barrel aging is undeniable but it is quite restrained and silky.

T: Like the nose, the bourbon barrel aging is graceful. That said, its subtleties are somewhat lost in its meekness. I prefer barrel aged stouts that are a bit more potent, but refrain from burning your throat off. Milk chocolate, oak, vanilla, and bourbon are all here. Surprising, not as much roasted malt as I was expecting.

M: The mouthfeel is the standout element of this beer for sure. Nice and thick, with a luscious, velvety feel as the beer coats the tongue. No burn with just the slightest hints of the 10% ABV.

D: Quite nice. I think just about anyone can appreciate the quality here, but its just not quite the bourbon barrel RIS that I absolutely crave.

Serving type: bottle

08-27-2010 01:17:14 | More by callmemickey

mothman

Saskatchewan (Canada)

4.55/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

I had a sample of the 2007 at RBSG 2010 and when kbutler1 cracked a 2008 bottle I was pretty jacked.

Decided to listen to some O Fortuna for this review

Poured into CCB snifter.

Pours 1/2 finger of tan head that fades down to a ring. Leaves some splattered lace.

Aroma: Lots of oak up front. Amazing amount. Chocolaty and velvety. Very rich. Vanilla notes with hints of caramel. The oak is dominate, but in a good way. Very warming.

Taste: Starts out a bit muted, but then the flavors hit. Huge oak again with vanilla. Roasted malt and chocolate. It is so silky smooth. Very rich. Caramel notes. Dried fruit flavors. I get a dose of licorice in the aftertaste.

Mouthfeel: Rich, velvety, smooth, warming. A great mouthfeel to it. Full bodied with a medium amount of carbonation. Ends very oaky.

Overall, the oak in this beer was spot on. It was the keynote in this beer, but didn't distract from the other flavors. Very drinkable. It is a shame it comes in such a small bottle. Thanks Kevin for sharing this one!

EDIT: as the beer warms, I finally get the honey flavors and it becomes more sweet. I like it.

Serving type: bottle

09-19-2010 01:46:50 | More by mothman

gford217

Georgia

4.55/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

I can't thank Jan enough for getting me this one, 2008 bottle, side by side with the regular 2008 Stormaktsporter.

Pours just like the regular version, pitch black with a thick tan head that recedes ever so slowly to a clumpy cap and leaves very good lacing.

Oh man, the smell on this one is wonderful. It takes the chocolate sweetness and the fruity esters from the base beer and layers on a hefty dose of earthy leather notes and some spicy oak. Espresso and honey as well. Whoa.

The taste has an initial spicy kick from the oak and earthy sweetness from the honey. The heavily roasted malts hang out underneath as well as the chocolate, which really takes a back seat compared to the regular version where it steals the show. The finish is completely different as well with a hefty alcohol burn coating the throat.

Mouthfeel, much like the regular version, is stunning. Just completely coats the mouth, so smooth with just the right carbonation.

This was definitely an interesting comparison to the normal Stormaktsporter and they differed more than I expected. This beer is probably more complex and definitely has an earthier, oakier character. Definitely one of the better beers I've ever had and marginally better than the normal version. Very different beers though...

Serving type: bottle

11-09-2010 03:36:07 | More by gford217

Jeffo

Netherlands

4.55/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

First had this one at the 2010 BOREFTS Festival at De Molen in Bordegrave, Holland. Along with the base beer and two other barrel aged variants, the Narke stouts were one of the highlights of the festival for me. Was also lucky enough to be able to buy a bottle at the festival to take away, and Doopie was so generous to let me have his to take home. Thanks again bro.

From a 25cl bottle bottle into a snifter
Vintage: 2009
Drunk directly after a 2008 base Stormaktsporter

APPEARANCE: A black pour, slightly darker than the base, makes a medium sized, medium-thick tan head that fades rather quickly. A wisp and bubbly ring are left behind. Jet black body and zero carbonation evident. A ring remains until the end and leaves some dots of lacing down the glass. Much the same as the base, though slightly darker pour.

SMELL: Roasted malts with plenty of bourbon for sure. Oak and vanilla play a role, as well as some hints of milk chocolate. Medium strength; not as bold as the base beer, but definitely strikes a superb balance between the roasted malt base and the barrel.

TASTE: Much more impressive than the nose, and this is where the beer makes a name for itself. Roasted malts up front with some milk chocolate and sweet molasses before the barrel kicks in. Bourbon, oak and vanilla show up in full force after the swallow, but it still leaves room for the roasted malt foundation of the base beer. Very well put together with a touch of heat after the swallow. Bold and lingering aftertaste of roasted malts, molasses, and the bourbon barrel all work together very well. Great stuff, with just the right amount of heat at the swallow.

PALATE: Same as the base beer. Medium body and carbonation, and very creamy smooth on the palate. Goes down smooth with a touch of heat and an alcohol bite at the swallow. Finishes slightly mouth-coating. Nice and creamy for sure.

OVERALL: Again, these 25cl bottles are just unfair, especially when split up. They need to start filling 750s and sending them to my house. One of the most balanced and flavorful bourbon barrel aged stouts on the planet. Nothing dominates, allowing the great roasted base beer to combine beautifully with the barrels. A touchstone in the style. Whether this is better than the base Stormaktsporter is really moot point, as one is world class stout, and the other is a world class barrel aged stout. Drink them both if you get the chance. Thanks again for this opportunity Doops.

Serving type: bottle

08-11-2011 09:31:16 | More by Jeffo

thagr81us

South Carolina

4.55/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Review #1500!!! A massive thanks goes out to cmrillo for bringing this one out during his own 40 Beers* @ 40 Birthday Bash! Can’t believe I FINALLY got to try this one!!! 2008 Vintage! Served from bottle into a Mikkeller taster flute. Poured pitch black with a minimal tan head. Maintained excellent lacing throughout the glass. The aroma was comprised of sweet malt, wood, dark chocolate, vanilla, sweet alcohol, and roasted malt. The flavor was of sweet malt, roasted malt, dark chocolate, vanilla, wood, sweet alcohol, and milk chocolate. It had a heavy feel on the palate with medium carbonation. Overall this was an excellent brew. This was another one that I was shocked to see come out at the birthday party. This was sampled directly after Stormaktsporter. There was a pretty good difference in this one from the base brew. There was a lot more presence of the vanilla with an addition of various chocolate aspects. The cigar aspect I picked up on in the base brew had disappeared, but what replaced it in both the flavor and aroma was just plain excellent. So glad I got the chance to finally try this one and would love to do so over and over again.

Serving type: bottle

05-31-2012 12:44:01 | More by thagr81us

baggio

Sweden

4.53/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

Finally got to try this, very hyped, beer and for an affordable price at 30USD for a, approx, 8.5oz bottle :-)

A: Dark dark dark red with a creamy beige head.

S: Oak, Vanilla, Honey, Portwine, Fruit

T: Bitter chocolate, Vanilla, Cream, Brown sugar, Cherries.

M: Smooth as silk but liquid is very thick and creamy. Low carbonation.

This is, hands down, one of the best beers i've ever had the pleasure to sample. Very filling tho and sharing a small bottle among 2 people were just perfect. If you can ever get hold of this little beauty, do not hesitate. Highly recommended!

Serving type: bottle

05-14-2008 07:00:53 | More by baggio

JohnGalt1

Idaho

4.5/5  rDev -3.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Footbalm (RB guy) brought this to a massive RIS tasting last weekend... This was the first bottle we cracked.. Fucking huge thanks Eric!! Never thought I would see one of these in person let alone get a chance to sip and savor it.. Reviewed from notes.

'06 vintage pours pretty much black with very clear mahogany highlites when held to a bulb... dark tan head drops leaving little lacing... leggy when swirled

Rich chocolate fudge.. subtle smoke and oak.. "I could smell this for hours"

Nice vanilla at the front... big and malty with only hints of char... milk chocolate cake .... honey essence is brought out by the maltiness .... finish is a bit smokey with tobacco and dry cocoa.... full body with a silky mouthfeel.

My notes only sorta do justice... I really liked this alot, but I think I built it up a bit too much in my head.

Amazing Eric... I appreciate the honor.

4.5/5/4.5/4.5/4

Serving type: bottle

01-21-2010 07:40:13 | More by JohnGalt1

ajsdad06

Ohio

4.5/5  rDev -3.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

With picnic tables full of incredible beer, Craig stands up from the table and exclaims, "you’ll want to follow me". I agreed, and without hesitation we were off. The bottle wasn’t half way out of the bag and I could not believe my eyes.

The pour was black and sticks to the glass. A small tan head was visible, but I am interested in how this smells and tastes.

The aroma was worth the wait: chocolate, dark fruits, vanilla, coffee, molasses, and licorice.

Can the flavor back up the nose? Yes, Kaggen was an awesome complex brew that lived up to the hype. Dark chocolate, caramel, vanilla, coffee, molasses, dark fruits, subtle wood hints, licorice, and well integrated alcohol.

Full bodied, chewy, and smooth. Thanks to Craig (cgarvieuk) for sharing this incredible beer.

Serving type: bottle

07-18-2011 18:27:46 | More by ajsdad06

Deuane

Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev -3.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Enjoyed at the 2011 Ffej of July pre party. Served immediately after the "regular" version. A 2008 vintage bottle offered up by generous beer buddy orangesol. Thanks for the chance to try this hard to obtain treat. Served from an eye dropper.

A-Deepest, darkest,opaque black with a thin, reddish highlighted, dark tan head that disappated to the faintest wispy veil. Brew ended up looking still with no lace what so ever.

S-A more impressive aroma than the regular version with sharper and more aggressive notes of sweet vanilla, rich, dark malt, oak, coffee, toasted coconut and a touch of soy. A light hint of sour mash and alcohol vapors in the background.

T-Another fine example of taking a well made base beer, aging it properly in a fine Bourbon barrel and Viola! out pops an awesome brew! Notes of rich, roasted, dark and chocolate malt, vanilla sweetness, oak, licorice, cherry, plums, black currant, toasted coconut, espresso and subtle touches of soy, leather and turbinado. A brew that improves greatly with warming.

M-Heavy bodied, amazingly smooth and silky. Outstanding balance between the sweet and dry components with long lingering flavours involved. In fact, there is so much lingering flvour ones palate gets worn out.

O-Good, certainly. Great, admittedly so! I concur this is one mighty tasty brew, but, the difficulty in obtaining it and the ridiculously small serving size will not make me give up my first born to obtain an other(s). A deliciously rich, decadent treat I was happy to enjoy with a close group of great freinds. Maybe the sharing of a great beer with great friends made this one even that much better!

Serving type: bottle

07-26-2011 14:56:12 | More by Deuane

CrellMoset

Virginia

4.47/5  rDev -3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Review #1000, courtesy of bosse as part of my first international trade. 2008 vintage 25 cL bottle, poured in to a 12 oz. brandy snifter

Appearance: Kaggen! pours a dark, molasses black, thick, and even with an intentionally vigorous pour, you don't get any of that "glurgh" you need as it sloshes through the bottle neck in order to coax a head out of this one. Whether this is the result of some fluid force from the smaller volume or the neck shape/size or because this beer is so slick, so greasy that is just slides - whoosh - right out the bottle, I know not. The end result is a cocoa morass, capped by a quarter finger of fuzzy, furry chocolate sheen that fades within a minute to a dense but delicately creamy collar maintained by infrequent effervescence, a few eruptions and arcs of shiny lace, and the thinnest dollops of frost on the surface of the otherwise motionless, charred landscape. Agitation and the beginnings of the sipping ritual tosses up delicate and thin sheets of chocolate frosting, the staying power of which give me second thoughts about the score.

Aroma: And sooty is right. A great traditional RIS nose, heavy on the charred malts and the fruits. The char was the first thing I get, not harsh or astringent, but sort of like the way a beechwood bonfire smells when you're at a good distance. The smoky coal melds well with bittersweet cocoa, toast, and a few wisps of coffee. Agitation coaxes out the really good stuff, though, causing the aforementioned to transition seamlessly to cherries (a teriyaki overtone), plums, and figs, and dragging out some beautiful barrel notes, namely toasted coconut, faint leather, and oak. Agitation also releases the note that gets this one knocked down half a point - portable event toilet, slightly sour, slightly chemically. Soy sauce or perhaps red wine vinegar add a not undesirable twist on this one as it warms.

Taste: A definite honey-like sweetness is large up front, providing for a surprisingly light introduction. This is complimented by the char - or, rather, the void caused by the lack of too much heavily caramelized sweetness allows the char to come through - and the presence of green apple tartness. Shadows of caramel, toffee, molasses, sweet cocoa, and ligh toast mingle with diacetyls and tart esters of green apple and cherry, along with raisin and figs. The alcohol is incredibly fine, so well-integrated and smooth, its as if its presence is spread out so well, buried so completely, hidden so entirely that it's merely textual (or flavorful) white noise. Woodiness is larger here than in the nose, spicy, bright, and green, whereas leather is about on par and coconut far fainter, though the barrel on the whole comes through just as strong. Don't know why people are getting spirits out of this - these barrels taste pretty virginal to me.

Mouthfeel: Let this one sit open for a while while the carbonation dies down. Although I initially found the carbonation to be a little intense - a bubbly, large, slightly uneven feel in a body that was thick and pretty slick but not heavy or syrupy by virtue of its relative lack of unattenuated sugar - once it had stood in the open for about five minutes, the result was a smooth, oily joy, nicely carbonated, and nearly the perfect balance between crisp and assertive on the one hand and creamy, smooth, and even on the other. This one found its way home to near 5.0-territory in the end.

Drinkability: My initial thoughts were that I was very impressed but not utterly wowed by this beer. At least, not 4.6 wowed, or, alternatively, #2 in the world wowed. This was difficult, one of my first real attempts to go in to a beer this hyped with a clear head (it involved no drinking beforehand, for one, and forgetting about the price tag that came associated with this brew, for two). The aroma was probably the highlight, and from there is continued along at a pace, but nothing really completely hit a home run with me. What I did appreciate was its authenticity - it doesn't try to be too large, too bold, too dry, too sweet, or too in your face. This is a real RIS, full of bright esters, dark fruits, and yeast overtones, and doesn't take any prisoners in this department. To boot, it's a real RIS with a great barrel component. And finally, it hid its 9.5% extraordinarily well, better than many of the best.

But there are better beers out there, and now that I'm remember the price tag, I can add that there are better ones out there for the cash it took me to land this white whale. If you get the opportunity to try it, it may be worth it to knock it off your list, but I won't be looking to create a vertical or stash a few away in the ol' cellar. If anything, it's good to know that we here in America can make beers comparable to the best that they can throw us from overseas. So here's to a great beer, to American craft breweries, and to BA on this, the occasion of my #1000th review - cheers to all!

Serving type: bottle

02-26-2010 05:44:18 | More by CrellMoset

tarheels86

California

4.45/5  rDev -4.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

250mL 2008 ed

A- The pour is significantly improved over the normal 2007 Stormaktsporter. A very lively, large, blooming, deep brown head erupts on a near jet black body. Lacing is sheety, large, and sticky.

N- Very intense: fruity, floral, buttery, maple, something not unlike bourbon but more akin to brandy and spiced orange. As it warms, very heavy buttery bourbon comes through even though this has no bourbon component in the aging. More spiced orange comes through again with licorice and mild peat. Later, I get a lot more orange, potpourri, heavy clove and cinnamon.

T- Very different from the normal version. Up front this is sharp and citrusy, mild butter and spicy oak in the mid, and finishes neutral, tannic, and rich with bourbon, oil, and coconut similar to Goose Island Bourbon County Stout.

P- Slightly carboardy and mildly dusty. Not super oily or thick. Very different from the normal Stormaktsporter. Not coffee, chocolate, or bourbon forward. More neutral malty, bitter orange, mild coffee.

Pretty good but not mind blowing. Inferior to Misto BA or even De Molen Heaven and Hell. Overall weaker, thinner, mild, relatively tart.

Serving type: bottle

05-04-2011 14:21:42 | More by tarheels86

Overlord

California

4.43/5  rDev -4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Thanks Masterski!

pours black with translucent brown edges. Thin light tan crust, no real head.

Smells ... sweet? Whoa. Is that honey? Dark fruits, whiff of charred peat and/or malt, and ... molasses?

Taste is shockingly sweet for an RIS. The molasses, dark fruits, even the peat and whiskey feel like they were soaked in brown sugar ... very little chocolate, no coffee that I could taste. The charred/peat-y component that was evident in the smell follows through in the taste and adds an intriguing -bal aged background. The flavor just lingers and lingers. The honey just settles on the palate and makes its home there.

Not thick, but definitely creamy.

Serving type: bottle

10-11-2009 08:56:15 | More by Overlord

Arbitrator

California

4.43/5  rDev -4.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Chilled bottle into a glass. Generously shared by dabecassis. Thanks, Dobby.

A: Pours a dark coffee brown body; it's opaque in the glass. Small, short-lived light tan head that deposits no lace and maintains only a fine collar on the beer.

S: Smoke, peat, honey, baker's chocolate, and caramel. I'm impressed by the extraction of peat without that burning-tire aroma I frequently find (and hate) in whiskey-barrel aged beers.

T: This definitely strikes me as a "European" style of imperial stout. Peat flavors nicely complement a small element of char, smoke, and baker's chocolate. Dark fruits are noted; they contribute a small plum presence (though you could argue it's licorice, and I'd probably agree). The finish emerges with leather, tobacco, and a distinct aftertaste of spiced honey. Very complex and engaging. Well integrated barrel character.

M: I'm surprised to see so many other people refer to this beer as "coating." I found it fell off the tongue very quickly. It's medium in viscosity; the flavor is excellent, but it doesn't linger.

D: Very tasty stuff. I'd certainly have it again, though I'm still not convinced I need to chase it down at $50 and change.

Serving type: bottle

01-29-2011 20:55:40 | More by Arbitrator

vacax

California

4.4/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

2007 vintage 250 mL bottle indicating 9% ABV. Thanks for sharing this gem.

The beer itself is black, possibly a very dark brown with a ring of translucence around the glass. Proper head and retention, plus a bonus surprise of leaving a brown coating when the glass is swirled. The aroma gives me dark fruits, mostly prune, large amounts of smoke, some chocolate, and peppery spiciness. It just about runs the gamut in different aromatic qualities in an imperial stout, with the smoke taking a bit much of a front seat for me.

The taste is firstly malty though, with dark chocolate up front followed by a smoke and prickly pepper quality. Midpalate does bring a bit of alcohol, but also roasted barley which extends to the finish and closes with a bready malt goodness. The body is respectably coagulated and complemented by mid-range levels of carbonation, which lifts up the smoke and highlights the dark fruit and chocolate nicely.

Very good beer for sure. Not life changing in the taste, but a reputation built on quality. One minor life change is that I can finally cross this off of my wish list.

Serving type: bottle

02-03-2010 03:54:17 | More by vacax

bark

Sweden

4.4/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Vintage 2008.

The colour is black; the low head is warm brown. Some fine lacing occurs.

The warming smell got notes of wood and strong wine. Hints of alcohol. Lots of grand yet balanced flavours of coal, matured hops, mild bitter flavours and a hint of smoke.

The taste is very elegant with sweet caramelized notes, some fresh oxidized cask flavours, sour hints and a smoke that reminds of Islay whisky. It is overall matured, but some raw hoppy flavours make it more demanding and interesting. The strong aftertaste is malty with chemical hints of medicine and band-aids. Some alcohol in the finish.

The light carbonation is made of very small bubbles. The liquid is thick and sticky.

One of the most hyped beer during the last years... And while it is a splendid cask matured imperial stout, I found it a little too much for me.

Serving type: bottle

04-11-2010 15:20:41 | More by bark

hotmanflab666

New York

4.4/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

said to be the rarest. had a friend ship to me from the brewery, strong powerful malty base with enough hop to round it out to a nice robust finish. exceptional stout. with no ego i can say its good but not the best, definitely worth the drink but by no means shell out your beer collection to grab it

Serving type: bottle

05-06-2011 02:53:00 | More by hotmanflab666