Emelisse Imperial Russian Stout - Sorachi Ace Single Hop - Bierbrouwerij Grand-Café Emelisse

UncleBrazzie

Belgium

4.49/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

On tap at 't Arendsnest in Amsterdam.

Gloriously thick and gloopy, with a dense creamy deep-tan head.
Pitch black and syrupy.

Immensely fascinating nose, with the coconut blending in marvelously with the woody/bubblegummy/lemony freshness of the Sorachi Ace. All this layered with the warm, boozy tones of the stout, which is takes a bit of a back seat but is rewardingly rich, focusing on mild coffee/roast.
Flavours are a wild mix of mild coconut (think macaroons maybe, rather than a Bounty bar), with that odd nasal wonkyness of the Sorachi Ace, again firmly supported by a sturdy, masterfully brewed RIS.

It packs quite a punch but is remarkably drinkable. Not something to drink plenty of, but definitely something to have again.

Serving type: on-tap

03-11-2013 08:19:16 | More by UncleBrazzie

4thelvofbeer

Virginia

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

Opened and drank this bottle on 7 Jan 2013. Bottle was dated 03/15/2012...there was also an "A" notched near where the date was. It said on the bottle that this was the best before date, and having tried one of these about a year ago, I seem to remember it was better when it was fresher. The notes below are from the one I am drinking now....

A: Black with a brown head...nicely carbonated, probably about a two finger foamy head
S & T: Immedaite taste of burnt roast, almost to the taste of a rauchbier...it is good, but it is a thick, heavily burnt, roasted stout. Lots of deep flavors, so it is possible that the sorachi ace hops are starting to fade and ruin a bit in flavor at this age....it is good, but seems a bit off...almost a bit sour...i want to compare this to the Bruery Tart of Darkness, but it is not quite as sour as that!
M: Thick.
O: Really good. I don't want to knock this beer because I think I just waited a bit too long to drink it....I had one fresh and remember it being much better. Of all the White Label Emelisse Stouts however, this one ranked the lowest. The other RIS' aged in barrels by Emelisse are much better.

Serving type: bottle

02-08-2013 00:03:40 | More by 4thelvofbeer

weltywm

Pennsylvania

4.13/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On Tap at the Devil's Den in Philadelphia. Served in a 6 oz. goblet.

Appearance: Motor oil black with a thin espresso-colored head. Great lacing all the way down the glass.

Smell: I was expecting the usual from an imperial stout: smoke, coffee, chocolate, etc. All of those were there, but what struck me first was a unique spiciness, almost like hot peppers or even a mild hot sauce.

Taste: Same as the smell, but with even more pronounced spiciness, followed by some sweetness. A lot going on here - chocolate, espresso, pepper, spicy hops, grass - but it was fairly well balanced overall.

Mouthfeel: Not as thick as I was expecting, but not thin either. Very smooth. Just very drinkable, especially for the 11%.

Overall: A really great stout, and different from most other versions of the style I've had. I'd definitely drink it again.

Serving type: on-tap

11-23-2012 01:17:58 | More by weltywm

Ricocodocodus

4.33/5  rDev +2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

The first thing that impressed me was its deep dark color, nearly impenetrable to light, and a dark brownish foam which quickly dissipates leaving some lovely patterns. When I smelled it, it revealed some sweet chocolate mixed with espresso and I also vaguely traced some hints of cinnamon which I attributed to the Sorachi Ace hops this beer prides itself for. My curiosity was peaked so hastily I took a rather large sip, and it proved to be like nothing I had expected. It's rather hard to describe and doing it justice in the process. The chocolate and espresso taste was exquisitely rich and refined for a stout. Quite bitter but with a pleasant sweetness. However before I could analyzing it any further I was overwhelmed by a intense fruity bitterness. Initially I was startled by this very uncharacteristic aftertaste in such a solid stout, but sipping some further I found it not only very tasty but in a way quite fitting, as if it was always intended to be this way. This is one beautiful beer and drinking it proved to be a really pleasant surprise. Difficult to anticipate but in the end it seems to make sense.

Serving type: bottle

10-18-2012 19:46:35 | More by Ricocodocodus

Jeffo

Netherlands

4.23/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Got this at the local liquor shop down the road. Nice to see these guys become available locally.

From a bottle into a snifter
Best Before March 2015
EBU: 75

APPEARANCE: A thicker black pour yields a 1+ finger, medium looking, tan head with excellent retention. Head slowly fades to a splotchy wisp and sticks to the sides of the glass. Black body with higher levels of carbonation. A splotchy wisp and ring remain leaving decent lacing down the glass. A little too much carbonation and not quite thick enough to be great. Really close, however.

SMELL: Bold nose jumps out of the glass. Roasted and smoky, charred malts, dark chocolate and molasses on the nose. Light soy sauce as well. Quite bold, interesting and impressive. This is really good.

TASTE: Roasted malts, smoky notes and some dark, pure chocolate. This is quite hoppy as well. Flavor really comes out after the swallow, with lots of molasses, chocolate fudge brownies, cocoa powder and iced espresso. Bold and lingering finish of chocolate fudge, cocoa powder, sweet molasses and bitter chocolate cake and espresso. This is excellent.

PALATE: Medium body and medium carbonation. A little light on the palate, unfortunately, but very creamy smooth, goes down smooth and finishes slightly dry. No heat on this one. Could use more weight, but very creamy smooth and slick. A bit of a chalky finish.

OVERALL: Excellent stuff. The feel was a touch too light to really be supportive, but everything else this brew brough to the table was top class. I would love to see them thicken up the feel and really bring this to the next level. A top notch brew; of the six I sampled, this was probably my favorite. Would drink this daily if it weren't so expensive. Highly, highly recommended.

Serving type: bottle

10-15-2012 19:22:49 | More by Jeffo

beerenjoyer1

Illinois

4.08/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Purchased at the De Bier Koning in Amsterdam.

A - Almost black in appearance with a 1/2 to 3/4" medium brown foam which dissapated to a thin line. The brew showed some signs of carbonation with slight lacing on the glass.

S - Malty, Molasses, slight bitter scent with a bit of chocolate. Overall a very inviting smell prior to tasting.

T - Very nice full taste of chocolate, coffee, malt, some hop bitters, with some carbonation and a kick of alcohol. The taste leaves a flavor of coffee, sizzle of hops and alcohol.

M - A full flavored imperial stout on most acounts. Some stouts leave out carbonation or hops but this beer includes both plus good combination of ingredients and balance.

O - When I go to Amsterdam again I will look for this beer brewed in this fashion. I enjoyed this beer.

Serving type: bottle

06-06-2012 03:35:58 | More by beerenjoyer1

DARIVA

Netherlands

3.98/5  rDev -5.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Deep black beer with a minimal head.

S: Slight salty smell.

T: The taste of coffee, chocolate and some herbs.

M: Good mouthfeel and a nice bitter aftertaste.

O: Very good drinkable and a good balance.

The hops which are used is from the Japanese Sorachi hops.

Serving type: bottle

04-09-2012 10:05:40 | More by DARIVA