Quilter's Irish Death - Iron Horse Brewery

Ryan011235

Ohio

3.65/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured into a wine glass on 12/2/10

Dull, dark brown; not particularly cloudy but it has a murky bent. Rust & amber highlights. 2/3rd inch head held for a few minutes, dropping to a puffy skim. Some lace.

Soft aromas of earthy & floral hops with a hefty malt backdrop. Partially-baked bread with yeast notes. Toasted caramel & a touch of toffee. Vague notions of cocoa & coffee beans as it warms.

Smooth malt taste - caramel; mild, dry cocoa seated in the back; toffee. Modest flourishes of juicy hops with an even-keeled bitterness. Reasonably tasty, even if it plays it safe to some degree.

Slightly over medium body with moderate carbonation; just a little underlying prickliness. A hint of grittiness. Coffee-esque notes linger.

Drinkability is fine; I've enjoyed it. This doesn't at all seem like an imperial stout to me; maybe more of a Scottish ale or some such. Regardless, it's pretty solid. Rating doesn't reflect imperial stout as the style.

Serving type: bottle

12-10-2010 02:17:02 | More by Ryan011235

Bitterbill

Wyoming

3.68/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

It pours black with a 1 finger head of off white foam and has some nice lacing.

It smells roasty with a hint or 2 of fruit, but the nose is very light and I'm serving it at room temp. And then, I take a few more whiffs and I get lots of alcohol with an almost cognac like aroma.

There's some roasted malt in the taste, a touch of fruit, a light tartness, and quite a bit of a milky flavour with some notes that resemble something that has been barrel aged. That being said, it's tasty and brings quite a bit of warming.

On the edge of being full bodied with a light amount of carbonation, it certainly IS a smooth one. I like it.

Serving type: bottle

04-16-2012 22:59:10 | More by Bitterbill

rudzud

Massachusetts

3.68/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Shared with a friend and poured into my Dogfish Head chalice. Reviewed from notes.

A - Pours a hazy, ruddy brown with a one finger off white head that faded to leave a nice light side lacing and a wispy blanket.

S - Sweet, bordering on too sweet, with lots of figs and dark fruit and caramel.

T - Taste is similar to the nose with more malty sweetness and dark fruits (mostly figs), caramel, and toffee. Its not bad...

M - Mouthfeel is pretty good. Nice carbonation keeps this from being heavy or syrupy thanks to the sweetness.

O - Overall this was a good beer, albeit too sweet for my liking.

Serving type: bottle

11-07-2012 19:41:06 | More by rudzud

ferrari29

Illinois

3.7/5  rDev -2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Beer poured from bottle into a stemless Tulip shaped wine glass

A - Dark smooth ale color; beer poured with a one finger foam; bubbly carbonated look; moderate amount of lacing formed on the sides of the glass; head held very well; visible amount of yeast sediment sits on the bottom of the glass

S - Malt scents with a tangy nose; grape; biscuit; sour fruit notes; subtle hints of chocolate or coffee or roasted malt

T - Sweet malt tastes like caramel; some tangy notes of sour grapes; smooth and nice aftertaste, not very bitter; light touch of coffee

M - Frothy and bubbly; good solid body; slightly effervescent

D - Nice; I dig this beer; I would have a another, but not too many

Serving type: bottle

05-09-2011 17:04:58 | More by ferrari29

GNWBC

Washington

3.7/5  rDev -2.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 22oz Bomber

Pours a mirky dark brown reddish color

Smells of roasted malt burnt/brown sugar and booze

Taste follows the nose, but it really leaves a lingering taste in your mouth.

Mf. pretty smooth and silky

OA: not to bad, good with heavy rich foods.

Serving type: bottle

05-27-2012 03:32:26 | More by GNWBC

ZachStone625

3.73/5  rDev -1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

If you love malty brews, don't care for the bitterness of a double IPA and love a starch-heavy beer with a near 8% ABV, look no further.

This is your malty "beer candy" as the brewer proclaims. Almost no bitterness to balance and finish it, there's a prominent malty front and middle with a surprisingly clean and warm finish to wrap up this strong ale. This is a great beer if you're a fan of amber, red, or brown ales - malt heavy but laying back on the hops. There are only malt and alcohol flavors here, and the 7.80% abv is deceptively approachable, you won't even notice how strong it is until it hits your face like a boxer punch on your third pint.

If you love red, ambers, porters, and brown ales, but want the desired effect of an American Strong ale without the groin punch of bitterness a triple IPA serves up, go for this.

My only complaints with this beer is the sweetness and the carbonation. It goes flat worse than a warm diet Coke - unless you get and drink this from the tap at BevMo and slam down two pints pronto, you're looking at a fizzless beer. The sweetness might be from the yeast getting tired of producing huge amounts of alcohol and dying off from their byproduct, yielding an approachable brew, but I like the bubbles coalescing from my tongue. What happened? Don't buy a 22 bottle and go on a road trip from Portland to Seattle, head and lacing will vanish in seconds. Again,. maybe the yeast couldn't handle it, but more carbonation would definitely make this beer world-class.

Serving type: growler

08-12-2012 03:58:47 | More by ZachStone625

jeffeljefe

Washington

3.78/5  rDev 0%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

A-- Black-brown. Clear? Hazy? Would need some kind of laser to tell. Thick, lasting cream-colored head, some lacing.
S-- Sweet caramelly chocalate (a little stuffed up, that's the best I can do.)
T-- Lightly sweet, roasted nuts. A little bit of brightness coming through. get the whiskey barrel in the finish
M-- medium-to-full-bodied, creamy
O-- Nice, not overly sweet in my opinion, drinkable. Not overly malty for a strong ale. Balanced and not one-note. Wouldn't drink this all the time, but it's a pleasant 22oz attitude adjustment.

Serving type: bottle

03-09-2013 04:25:52 | More by jeffeljefe

thinkfull

Washington

3.8/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

One of my favorite beers from the local Iron Horse Brewery.

It's a dark beer, but not super thick or opaque. Head is a creamy color and flavor. The smell is the major downfall to this beer; the smell reminds me a little of the beer cans I collected as a kid to fund my fourth of july fireworks fund. Its a little skunky, although there are nutty and coffee-like scents here as well.

I have described this beer as an American Guinness before; it's similar in look and taste, but MORE, especially in the taste area. It's rich and malty, with an herbal tinge and a touch of bright hoppiness. The mouthfeel is pretty average for this style, kinda chewy and sticky. Drinkablility is like tap Guinness, in that you can't really chug it but it leaves you wanting your next sip. This beer works great with a burger at the Palace here in Ellensburg, and I'm sure others as well.

Serving type: growler

12-18-2009 01:28:49 | More by thinkfull

searsclone

Arizona

3.8/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

review is from notes. unfortunately, I did not note the glass I used.

poured cloudy root beer color with a creamy tan head that was gone almost immediately. good lacing though.

smell was roasted malts and clean. not a lot on the nose.

taste was roasted malts, earth clan hops, spices, alcohol, with a toffee sweet finish. alcohol is very well hidden.

mouthfeel is great, smooth and creamy with a light carbonation. almost like a nitro. medium body with a wet finish.

overall, highly drinkable due to the mouth felel and great balance. If this were readily available, I would have it again.

Serving type: bottle

01-06-2013 20:03:24 | More by searsclone

Murrhey

Montana

3.81/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

Poured from starndard pressure-cap bomber to pint glass in high elevation Libby, Mont. Reviewed live.

A- Half-finger mocha head with long retention. Thin, opaque, mocha lacing. Color of reddish-clay, very hazy, only clarity comes from the edges.

S- Chocolate fudge, roasted malts, some brandy.

T- Strange flavors. Alcohol comes much more into play here, tastes like dark chocolate liqueur or a white Russian almost. Some fruity hoppiness (surprisingly) at the end of the drink as well. How peculiar. After the initial dark, roasted flavors, finishes very sweetly. Quite nice.

M- Smoooth. Finishes rather dry and tight.

O- Surprising beer. I liked it. It isn't drop-dead wonderful, but a nice roasty sort of ale.

Serving type: bottle

02-22-2013 02:08:13 | More by Murrhey

homebrew311

Illinois

3.83/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

22 oz bottle poured into Russian River -tion glass. Appearance is a deep chestnut brown with auburn highlights. A thin layer of head sticks around to form a collar. Not much in the way of lacing. The nose features some sweeter notes of vanilla and cherry along with notes of caramel and toffee. Not getting anything in the way of hops. The taste is pretty sweet, just as the nose suggests, with lots of vanilla and caramel paired with dark fruits. The sweetness is strong but never becomes cloying. The mouthfeel features mellow carbonation with a moderate to heavy body. Overall, this is a malty treat that is balanced well and is deceptively strong.

Serving type: bottle

06-15-2012 04:25:00 | More by homebrew311

beertunes

Washington

3.93/5  rDev +4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

This pint raised in memory of Jim Quilter (who developed this beer and whose name is on it) who passed away yesterday (6/30/09) at age 52. Cheers Jim!

Served in pint glass. Poured very dark, but not quite black, with just over an inch of deep tan head that dissipated quickly, leaving moderate lacing.

A rich roasted aroma is the upfront scent, with an unexpected spicieness noticed on the finish. The flavors coat the tongue nicely, the roasted malt goodness dominating with that little spice taste and a little hop tang on the end.

The body on this beer is outstanding, being full without being heavy. The drinkability is hampered only by the strength of this, truly, stout.

A beer worth seeking out. A job well done Jim.

Serving type: on-tap

07-01-2009 21:08:18 | More by beertunes

djbreezy

Washington

3.93/5  rDev +4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On-tap in a 12 oz glass at By the Bottle in Vancouver, WA.

appearance - dark with some transparency, some lacing

smell - candy and sugar, malts

taste - very sweet, candy and sugar notes mixed with a malty backbone

mouthfeel - a bit on the creamy side, smooth but oily

overall - i really dig what they've done with this...it doesn't really match a set style but that's just fine. it's an interesting beer and worth a try. fatigues after too much but worth a glass!

Serving type: on-tap

10-21-2011 17:58:42 | More by djbreezy

julian

Washington

3.95/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

<added pic>

A: pour is slightly syrupy, extremely dark brown in color. Looks to have dark walnut/garnet hues on the edges where the light can barely pass. thick creamy light tan head that really takes it's time rising to the surface. Leaves a wet bubbly lacing all the way around.

S: initial smell is lightly alcoholic, dark fruit, sweet malts. This almost smells like a belgian dark ale.

T: very smoooth and creamy. below average carbonation (which works well for this style). flavor is sweet, fruity. hints of diacetyl and slightly bitter roasty flavor

M: excellent. low carbonation, smooth and rolls off the tongue with ease.

D: At 7.8% and given the above properties of this beer, this is very drinkable, if not a bit too sweet.

Overall impressions: Very good, with a bonus of being locally brewed! Surprisingly, this is an Imperial Sweet Stout according to Iron Horse...wow just wow...this is a great style if that's the case. It tasted like a nut brown ale to me.

Serving type: bottle

07-18-2008 03:27:28 | More by julian

Bfarr

Washington

3.95/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

A very interesting deep dark brown with a fairly thick umber head. A nice chocolate malty aroma.
The high carbonation on this threw me for a loop. It has a deep and smooth chocolate and caramel malt body but it doesn't cling like an imperial stout. Instead it finishes quickly and smoothly as an ale would. Even with just a hint of Irish cream.

This one is very intersting. It is described on the bottle as a dark ale and I would be inclined to agree. I'll not say I'm a big fan of the feel on this one but the taste and drinkability are high. It's so easy drinking it almost seems wrong to be associated with death. If only death would go down this easy!

Serving type: bottle

04-11-2010 04:43:05 | More by Bfarr

loren01

Oregon

3.95/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

A: Pours a dark brown color, whitish brown head, slight lace down the glass.
S: Great chocolate, molasses sweet scent.
T: Real sweet and malty. Slightly fruity taste in there as well. Also has a fait piney hop aftertaste.
M: The label on this beer says its a smooth dark ale...they arent lying about how smooth this beer is..very nice!
D: I'm gonna have to go ahead and disagree with the style on this one...this is more like a double Irish red or something. This is a great beer...was a little bit hesitant to get it cause I don't really like imperial stouts..its very far from that, a very tasty brew.

Serving type: bottle

05-17-2010 01:56:13 | More by loren01

SurlyDuff

Oregon

3.98/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had this ontap at the OBF. Super long line, got a whole pint for my wait. It was damn good, but on a hot summer day a sweet stout may not have been the best choice...

Black at first glance, but upon holding it up to the blazing sun a reddish brown.

Sweet chocolate in the aroma. Some lactose and brown sugar/molassas in there.

Taste is big and rich. Hello? Hops? Where are you? Some rich overripe fruit, and bam, lots of chocolate and sugary goodness. Some alcohol, no roasty coffee, just rich milky sweet chocolate. Like I said, a good beer, but for an outdoor summer brewfest...meh.

Serving type: on-tap

07-29-2008 01:44:08 | More by SurlyDuff

NWer

Washington

3.98/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Generous pour into my brandy snifter yields darkness and an average head for a bold ABV beer. Settles down to nothing. No lace. No bubbles. Nothing.
Lots of discussion as to style. I see it as a Scotch Ale. Suits me.
Sweetness, chocolate, bold notes.
A very slight cloyness made me drop the score a little on the mouthfeel.
A very enjoyable beer just slightly off to keep it from being rated higher.

Serving type: bottle

07-31-2011 23:32:15 | More by NWer

lwillitz

Florida

3.98/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

22-oz bottle into Samuel Smith "Tulip" pint glass

A - cloudy dark brown body under a finger of medium tan bubbles, beautiful cascading bubbles

S - caramel sweetness, roasty malt, dark fruits, alcohol

T - roast malts predominate, dark fruits, hint of vanilla, almost a wooden flavor, alcohol, semisweet finish with an aftertaste of alcohol; alcohol hides pretty well until the finish

M - thick, chewy, smooth full body; meduim carbonation; alcohol warmth, especially in the finish

O - This one's great if you're looking for a dark malty ale on the sweeter side.

Serving type: bottle

08-07-2012 02:45:27 | More by lwillitz

Docer

Washington

4.03/5  rDev +6.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Appearance: (3.5)
- Pours a dark murky coffee brown.. can't see through it. Minimal light tan to off-white head.. maybe half a finger if lucky. Settles to a nice sized ring of lace making goodness. Light solid dusting on top.

Smell: (4.0)
- Pleasant sweet malt aromas. Quite unique. Light cocoa, grainy husky red ale-like quality. Touch of smoked wood, smoked and/or roasted grain. Slightly grassy and herbal.

Taste: (4.0)
- Sweet cocoa, biscuity, bready dark malt. Smoked roasty flavor. Very herbal and grassy hop. Pretty darn good. Bitterness shines towards the finish. A nice sweet aftershock of sorts hits the palate after the swallow as well. Perhaps a touch of ginger and molasses.

Mouth Feel: (4.5)
- Devilishly smooth. This is a perfectly carbonated, medium bodied brew with a silky smooth and creamy texture. Very high marks on this for the feel. Bitterness leads to some slight drying, and a chewy quality.

Overall: (4.0)
- This is a great brew. If you are looking for a perfectly drinkable creamy smooth dark ale.. this is it. This would be gold on nitro I am guessing.

Serving type: bottle

06-05-2011 05:50:23 | More by Docer

Brenden

Ohio

4.03/5  rDev +6.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Irish Death is almost black but not quite, though even at the edges light has trouble sneaking in. A light-medium brown head reaches a finger in height and shows some resilience, though it does fade off. Lacing is above average, going spotty for the most part.
This isn't exceedingly complex, but it isn't simple either. A sturdy malts base with only enough hops for balance make for a brew on the sweeter end, but it's by no means too sweet. There's a bit of caramel and vanilla and a touch of something like candy sugars. A gently peppery bite is one way to add character and complexity. There's also a strong breadiness, giving the impression of something like fruitcake, as there is a fruity element, particularly as it warms. It's not so much dark fruits as berries. There's even a touch of peat detectable in the background. Alcohol is well-masked, peeking out in the finish and more so as it sits. All in all, it works together nicely.
The body is medium, and this beer is rich on the tongue and velvety smooth. There's just a very light crisp nip, as smoothness seems to be the intent, but smooth it absolutely is and makes for very nice drinking.

Serving type: bottle

09-18-2012 14:00:31 | More by Brenden

sensorglitch

Ontario (Canada)

4.18/5  rDev +10.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Got this in a local establishment from tap.

Served in a pint glass

Held a nice head, good color, not too pale, deep color.

The flavor was rich, and had a nice taste. The texture was nice, not too thin, had a richness to it, like you would expect from a good stout. The taste rolled nicely on the tongue.

Serving type: on-tap

06-14-2009 18:24:36 | More by sensorglitch

BDJake

Washington

4.2/5  rDev +11.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A- pitch black with dark brown on the edges, chunky head with good retention and excellent lacing- looked like a more intimidating version of a guinness pour

S- caramel, chocolate and roasted malts and slightly bitter

T- bitter from the start, dark malts all throughout, and somewhat of a hoppy finish

M- medium/creamy body and nicely carbonated

D- i wanted to merely sip this one, but it just wouldn't let me

Serving type: bottle

02-07-2010 06:53:44 | More by BDJake

chumba526

Oregon

4.22/5  rDev +11.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appears black with a solid light brown head.

It smells a bit of chocolate, roasted nuts, smoky malts, and it has slight caramel smell. I also get a bit of earth herbal smell and a fruity almost banana like smell.

It tastes initially of sweet malted barley: I get notes of caramel and sweet chocolate. There is a subdued sweet coffee flavor. I also get a bit of an herbal flavor. The flavors of this beer blend nicely with each other. It is a very smooth beer.

The carbonation is low and smooth.

The drinkability is really good. Though it is a heavy beer it goes down smooth.

Overall a great beer though it is not an imperial stout. Worth seeking out.

Serving type: on-tap

11-30-2010 03:13:48 | More by chumba526

tbeck

Washington

4.28/5  rDev +13.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A - Dark brown, no light coming through. Good two finger head that was tan/light brown. Collared nicely, slight laciness.

S - Malt, coffee, some chocolate. A hint of hops with slight undertones of alcohol.

T - Malt with coffee, slight sweetness. Faint taste of over ripe fruit, well blended. No aftertaste

M - Good texture, leans more on the heavy side.

D - Good for a couple at a time, it is on the heavy side.

Enjoyable, I liked this because it was not on the sweet side. Seemed more like a porter than a dark ale.

Serving type: bottle

08-19-2008 02:22:44 | More by tbeck