Black Damnation V - Double Black - De Struise Brouwers

russwbeck

Virginia

3.75/5  rDev -16.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A: Black pour with a minimal amount of brown head. It's the darkest of the three and coats the side of the glass very well. 4.5

S: It smells like straight alcohol. Basically a combination of vanilla and rum. All of the aromas from Black Albert and Cuvee Delphine are completely gone. 3.5

T: The flavor cuts off at the end, which I've experienced with eisbocks in the past. There is a slight chocolate base there and it actually isn't the booziest beer I've come across, despite the crazy high ABV. There is a slight amount of vanilla, but it's really all about the rum. The flavors attack the palate...and then disappear. 3.5

MF: The beer is deceptively drinkable, but very thin. The booziness does not accurately represent the ABV. 4.5

O: It's amazing that its this good after all this beer has gone through. I felt the after-effects of this beer once I stood up. I am impressed, but still believe Black Albert is the best in this series. 4

Serving type: on-tap

04-15-2013 01:56:34 | More by russwbeck

Rifugium

Pennsylvania

3.74/5  rDev -16.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

First had: on tap at Farmers Cabinet, Philly, PA

Dark black hole color, topped--surprisingly--with a small, sturdy cap of tan head. Aroma of dark malts, roasty, pretty heavy with booze, dark sugars, a hint of anise. Definitely hot on the palate, but that's to be expected with the reported ABV. There was an almost bourbon-barrel-ish flavor profile here, roasty dark malts, dark chocolate, burnt molasses, anise, coffee. Chewy mouthfeel, pretty intense, body on the heavier side of medium, though the boozy kick seemed to thin it out a bit in the finish. Nice overall; not exactly an easy drinker, but delivers what is promised.

Serving type: on-tap

03-12-2013 00:04:35 | More by Rifugium

eric5bellies

Australia

4.61/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

Reviewed from notes, and shared with Sam, Eugene and Dylan, drank in Antwerp, belgium and bought from the Kulminator for 45 euros. Great price.

A - Very deep ebony colour with an oily appearance, absolutely no head but kind of expected that. The lace seems to just drain down the sideof the glass.

S - Not too bad for its ABV. Dark malts present, with vanilla and an array of dark fruits. Alcohol nowhere to be seen.

T - Fruit flavours up front, that are completely eclipsed by a wooden oak flavour, followed by intense vanilla, intense coffee, brandy, chocolate and then a little alcohol kick. Insane.

M - Only one way to describe it and thats thick, full bodied viscous. Almost no carbonation.

O - This is one of those beers that you'll never forget. It is an experience to say the least. It almost belongs in a category of its own. Dare I say it, but a masterpiece.

Serving type: bottle

03-07-2013 11:53:36 | More by eric5bellies

rudzud

Massachusetts

4.34/5  rDev -2.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Shared with JLindros and company at the last whale tasting. Reviewed from notes

A - Poured into my Kate the Great tulip a motor oil sludge hue with a big mocha head that just stains the glass. TONS of sticky side lacing, like looking into a void.

S - Surprisingly sweet here and boozy of course. Nice roast here, dark chocolate, light faint soy. Light a big ol chocolate candy bar.

T - Taste is more of those sweet roasty chocolate notes and strong booze. As boozy as it is, I expect more for the ABV. Light flashes of coffee beans and vanilla oak? barrel. More chocolate and roasted malts as it warms and opens. As it warms though the alcohol really begins to come out.

M - Mouthfeel is smooth, rich, and boozy. Just coats the mouth, so incredibly thick.

O - Overall this was a delicious beer. Top notch here, love how they got to ice this and make it what it was. Massive bottle too. Truly meant to be shared.

Serving type: bottle

02-28-2013 02:29:33 | More by rudzud

smakawhat

Maryland

4.9/5  rDev +9.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5

Poured on tap into a snifter glass at Churchkey. only 4oz pour allowed (I mean it is 26%). From notes.

Real dark head. Super dark mocha brown top, with tight bubbles and lots of staying power. A walnut black body, not quite pitch black but still hard to say, always leaves a great 3mm collar while drinking. Very impressive and dark looking brew.

Nose hits with a real nice rush of impressive, subtle, and distinct senses. Light rauchbier like smoke mixing with mild coffee. Lots of fresh chopped and splintered wood. Dried figs, and soft raisins, and lots of charring roasted malt. It smells subdued, but incredibly complex.

Palate hits with a delicious fruit smoothness. Lingering roast coffee on the finish and a drying malt finish. Super silky with mild molasses. Wine like thick deep red cab sauv body. Some little tight carbonation on the tip of the tongue. Lots of lingering roast, and smokey fruits on the finish. Lasting, delicate, and unique.

Overall it reminds me of a superior Marshal Zhukov, and you can't even tell this is 26% abv. Just a wonderful drink all around. This might be my new favorite large stout I've had to date. Mind blown.

Serving type: on-tap

02-13-2013 01:17:40 | More by smakawhat

WillCarrera

Illinois

4.63/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On-tap at Churchkey in DC, served in a snifter.

A- Pours a thick, viscous black with a surprisingly huge, thick, creamy, mocha colored head, which has excellent retention and leaves tons of lacing.

S- Very sweet, rich aroma. Dark fruit, chocolate, caramel, vanilla, and a nice booziness.

T- A delicious blend of the sweet characteristics of the aroma with a more assertively bitter coffee/espresso with roasted grain, char, and an actually pretty mild booziness. I'm shocked at how subtle the booze is, if I had to guess I would expect this was around 16-18%. It's still a sipper because of how rich the flavors are, but the alcohol is hidden masterfully.

M- Full-bodied, smooth, creamy and a bit sticky. It isn't as flat and oil-like as I was expecting for such a high ABV, I'm really impressed that it has carbonation at all, not to mention such a nice, creamy, rich feel.

O- A delicious beer and an absolute treat to drink. Surprisingly mild on the booze and solid on the carbonation along with intense, rich coffee, roast and sweet flavors. I'm still stunned that this is 26%, it's done incredibly well.

Serving type: on-tap

02-12-2013 02:37:28 | More by WillCarrera

nataku00

California

4.53/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On tap poured into a fluted stemware. Surprised to see a keg of this make it all the way over to California, but glad to try it. Beer pours pitch black, completely opaque with a finger and a half of thick creamy brown head. Surprisingly long head retention, leaving thick patches of lacing. The beer itself is very viscous, with plenty of alcohol legs.

Nose is bourbon soaked dried dark fruits, cherry and plum mixed with a touch of wood tannin and vanilla, fruity dark chocolate, espresso, and dark caramel. There is a touch of Belgian yeast spice and lighter fruit esters as it warms as well. Beer smells sweet and rich, but not much booziness.

Taste follows the nose, big flavor without any harsh alcohol flavor. Leads with the dark fruit and dark chocolate flavors, sweet smooth dark caramel. A touch of espresso and dark roast malt bitterness mid palate to balance out the sweetness. Long lingering dark fruit, dark chocolate and roasty bitterness on the tongue, as the beer just sticks to the inside of your mouth with each sip.

Probably the thickest and most viscous beer I've tried, full body and sticky, but a decent amount of fine carbonation to help lighten the beer as it hits the tongue. For 26%, the alcohol is dangerously well hidden, but the big bold flavors led me to take small sips and let it sit on the tongue to really enjoy the beer.

Serving type: on-tap

01-16-2013 17:35:07 | More by nataku00

popery

California

4.9/5  rDev +9.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 5

Wow. This is delicious. I'm kinda blown away. Anywho, it pours motor oil black. Looks a lot like motor oil but with a tight dark brown cap. The aroma is huge with coffee and dark chocolate. Tons of it. There's some nice dark fruit in there as well. Lots of molasses and caramel. Massive flavor. Sweet with all sorts of chocolate. It's like drinking a very fancy wonderful brownie. I can't believe there isn't more booze to the beer. Feel is thick. Very thick. This is one of the best stouts I've ever had. Delicious.

Serving type: on-tap

01-16-2013 02:36:14 | More by popery

magictacosinus

California

4.51/5  rDev +0.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.75

Holy hell, 26% ABV? This is by far the strongest beer I've been able to sample to date... Poured on tap into a tiny, 4-5oz tulip glass at Trappist Provisions, a new fantastic beer-related place located in Oakland. Wouldn't want more than 2oz of this at a time, personally...

The appearance consists of a deep, darkened color with shades of brown, black, gray, and whatever else when shined upon the light. It reminds me of a haunting, murky lake or swamp shining against a full moon, and the feeling of drinking it gives me the same anticipation of plunging into its deep, dark depths. The alcohol legs on this are massive, and nothing seems to stick to the glass for more than a second. There was pretty much no head upon the initial pour, but there are remnants of carbonation that sort of fight to stay at the top... It reminds me in that case of espresso that's been sitting out, untouched, for about 5 minutes.

The smell is simply vicious when it comes to imperial stouts, and I mean this in the best way possible. I immediately pick up intense notes of wood and dark fruitiness, and while there's barely any hops, or bitterness for that matter, there is a spicy finish that is quickly overpowered by the alcohol. This is truly more that halfway to retaining whiskey like properties in a beer... Only no corn is involved here. The alcohol is not as strong as I expected on the nose, and it relishes intense sweetened notes upon the darkened malt aromas, which often create a vanilla bean and dark chocolate combo, combined with cherries, blackberries, figs, and other similar fruits. Great stuff so far.

The flavor is unlike any beer I've had to date, for that matter. While the initial fruity and roasted complexities hit you at first, it quickly shapes into a massive - and I mean *massive* - oak chipped finish unlike anything else. It's experience similar yet far more intense to that of having an Oaked Arrogant Bastard on tap some years back. The key difference in the alcohol, which heightens the sweet vanilla experience to ridiculous levels, yet the burn only arrives far later after each sip. This contains properties very similar to tawny port wine, a highly oaked sherry, or a brandy that's been melded with tons of woody coffee. It's still distinguishably a beer, but it definitely is off the charts for proper categorization. The feel is excellent and thick - reminds me of fresh, full bodied chocolate cake recently pulled from the oven. It works because it contains liquor like properties but a beer feel without too much of an alcohol burn.

Simply put, one of the most interesting beers I've had in my whole life. Drinking it is an experience, and should not be treated as a way to get hammered or anything. This is world class sipping beer here. If I have the chance score a bottle of one these, I surely would in a heartbeat. Highly recommended!

Serving type: on-tap

01-13-2013 18:48:30 | More by magictacosinus

Gfunk720

Connecticut

4.45/5  rDev -0.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

750ml bottle shared with some friends.

A- pours like used motor oil, some seriously viscous stuff. Surprisingly it pours with a nice head of some very dark bubbles. The beer coats the glass with an odd sheen, looks intense.

S- Smells pungent. Tons of oak and dark fruit. There is a smokey char scent to it. There is also some considerable booziness in the nose as well.

T- wickedly smooth, some plum, finishing with all sorts of oaky roasted character. Drinks like a beer with half of the ABV. A little sweetness, with some nice smokey notes.

M- Pretty crazy how smooth this is. Still a bit hot, but the carbonation and body are wonderful.

O- met all of my high expectations. This beer is pretty stupedpous, and goes down way too easily. Paired wonderfully with some chocolate. I plan to sit on my other bottle for a few more years to see if it mellows out.

Serving type: bottle

12-30-2012 02:10:37 | More by Gfunk720

birchstick

Missouri

4/5  rDev -10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bottle shared by bsuedekum...Iced Stout, let's do this...

A - Pours black with a small head on it.

S -The nose erupts with dark fruits (plums and raisins), dark chocolates, and a little bourbon.

T - opens up amazingly sweet. Uber chocolaty malts move on to extremely bitter dark chocolates. Vanilla bourbon flavors move in next to help tame the chocolates. Some spiciness from the bourbon comes in next but is overtaken by piney hops. Whoa.

M - thin body and TONS of booze

D - Wow...bold, full of flavor and really complex. I had a small pour of this and don't know if I could do more than 1/4 of a bomber in a sitting. This is packed of flavor and will smack you in the face if you're not looking. Definitely worth a shot, but not for the faint of heart.

Serving type: bottle

09-02-2012 03:02:19 | More by birchstick

GabrielM

New Mexico

4.53/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Bottle poured into a Darkness snifter.

A - probably the darkest beer I've ever seen, which pours like black lava. Dark espresso head on top.

S - vanilla, coffee, chocolate, and BOOZE.

T - holy shit... this beer is no joke. Chocolate, vanilla, oak, maybe some whiskey and a ton of heat. I feel it in my chest and nose as if I took a shot of bourbon.

M - creamy and hot.

O - this beer is a trip. Whoever called it a whiskey milkshake was dead on. I'm not sure if my wife and I will have the strength to knock this one out.

Serving type: bottle

08-06-2012 22:59:19 | More by GabrielM

jlindros

Massachusetts

4.3/5  rDev -3.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Thanks to Xenon (forgot your username, sorry).

Pours with a ridiculously think sludge motor oil looking almost solid thing, with a super dark fizzy head, stains the glass, essence of pure darkness in there.

Nose is more pure darkness, it pulls the aromas from my nose before putting them back, roast, dark chocolate, light soy sauce, caramelized caramel caramelied candies, just damn... pure biscuit and chocolate malted milk ball, super dark roasty chocolate kit kat and a bit chalky with a big booze as well

taste is super rich and thick, syrupy as hell like sludge. Then some roast and super chocolate, dark baker's chocolate, coffee and espresso, hint of vanilla barrel like flavor, fairly bitter and roasty, chalky powdered choc, some booze but not what I expected for 26%, booze flavored very slightly fusel, bitter earthy hops and roast, chewy hop pellets in the middle, and a light... bourbon barrel? Tons of pure dark malts, yum!. Long super bitter finish with earthy hops and roast galore, plenty of chocolate, hint of vanilla barrel, super long finish that coats the mouth. Booze ramps up as it warms.

Mouth is ridiculously thick, coats the mouth and never leaves, rich and syrupy, maybe the thickest beer I've ever had.

Overall damn, I didn't even know a beer could be this crazy, like Darkness, Darklord, Black Tuesday, and Mephistopheles blended and ice-beered and then added corn-starch to thicken and essence pure darkness. Tasty but a little overboard and quite hard to get more than a small pour down. Glad it was shared between a few people.

Serving type: bottle

07-30-2012 01:58:11 | More by jlindros

cpetrone84

Pennsylvania

3.58/5  rDev -19.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Urbain shared BD 5, 6, 9, 10 next to each other. Shit man! Black, rich creamy dark tan head with amazing retention. Nose is huge, dry earthy notes, peaty, faint cardboard, fair bit of roasted malt and light chocolate. Taste is obviously enormous, peaty and earthy with light cardboard and some dark fruits. Bitter chocolate with rich roasted malt in back. Heat there but pretty well hdden for the abv. Body is extremely thick and viscous with strong carbonation and dry finish. Tons of flavor with some minor issues and average integration.

Serving type: bottle

07-20-2012 15:23:13 | More by cpetrone84

MasterSki

Illinois

4.28/5  rDev -4.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Bottle picked up from the Struise schoolhouse by Eric (TurdFurgison). Served in a 3 Floyds tasting snifter.

A - A very dark mocha foam settles to a collar and some wispy patches. Body is pitch black other than a faint reddish tint when swished in the glass. Impressive, particularly at 26%.

S - Aroma is very nice, if perhaps a tad sweet. Loads of vanilla, milk chocolate, caramel, dark fruits, toffee, as well as some light oak and earthy roasted grains. There's a faint booze note, but more suggestive of a mid-teens ABV.

T - The taste isn't quite as good as the aroma, with stronger ash, smoke, oak, and burnt earthy malts and less of the rich Belgian chocolate flavors. Again, whiskey flavor is quite light, but there's a noticeable alcohol bite in the finish.

M - Full-bodied, with surprisingly active carbonation and a sticky finish. Some alcohol burn reminds you that this is 26%, but it's still overtly 'beer-like' in feel.

D - It's hard to drink quickly (although I know it can be done, as I've done it before :-P), but more because of the decadent and rich flavors and less because of the alcohol. Quite enjoyable otherwise, and I had no troubles finishing my glass. I even got a second pour so I could make a black & tan with Sink the Bismarck!

Serving type: bottle

07-17-2012 15:52:31 | More by MasterSki

ehammond1

California

4.23/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Bottle (2008)

Thanks for opening this one with me, nakalakaboom!

(Aged for 3+ years)

Black on black with a surprisingly large (for the style and ABV) dark brown head that leaves the glass oily and spotted with stick. Very impressive looking beer.

The aroma is quite incredible and expressive, and better at the cooler temperatures. The aroma is a fantastic combination of coffee, dark chocolate, dark fruits, roast, a hint of smoke, and some definite alcohol. Zero complaints.

The flavor is very nice too, though it does somewhat fall apart as the beer warms up closer and closer to room temperature. The flavor is full of chocolate, dark fruits, roasted malt, barrel, and a hint of smoke. The alcohol becomes more and more dominant as the beer warms, which is to be expected.

Full bodied, slightly oily, with moderate carbonation.

So pleased to have been able to try this. It's fantastically drinkable for the ABV, and quite the accomplishment.

Serving type: bottle

07-04-2012 23:49:28 | More by ehammond1

UCLABrewN84

California

4.38/5  rDev -2%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to nakalakaboom for sharing this one at NoSignsOfPain's birthday bottleshare hosted by mrbubbler.

Batch 1.

Pours an opaque black with a foamy dark khaki head that fades to nothing. No lacing on this one. Smell is of dark roasted malt, dark fruit, cocoa, coffee, and alcohol aromas. Taste is much the same with a pretty boozy finish and a medium roasty bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a lower level of carbonation with a slightly crisp and fairly thick, sticky mouthfeel. Overall, this is a great beer with some awesome aromas and flavors. I am very glad I got to try this one.

Serving type: bottle

07-02-2012 02:34:53 | More by UCLABrewN84

dgilks

Australia

4.05/5  rDev -9.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Bottle shared with Chris, Michael and Ben. OMG!!!

Inky black with a creamy tan head. Some lacing.

Sweet with some roast. Plenty of oak and alcohol. Surprisingly fruity. An interesting smokiness.

Intense is the right word. There is an interesting fruitiness and peat character. Some oak. Lots of malt and quite bitter. This is a big beer.

Full body with moderate carbonation. Sweet and sticky. This is big.

A really solid beer. Sure, not everyone will get this but the flavours stand up for themselves. Epic.

Serving type: bottle

06-23-2012 09:48:24 | More by dgilks

Phelps

Arizona

4.1/5  rDev -8.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This version of Black Damnation originates from Cuvee Delphine, which is simply a bourbon-aged version of Black Albert. Hoever, it’s then crystallized to a Hulkish 26-percent ABV monster form of its former self. This one was shared by ejyoung and poured into a tulip.

Triple, nay, quadruple black in color. No light getting through this one. One finger of cinnamon-colored, fizzy head becomes a thin ring after a while.

Heavy, sugary aroma. Bourbon, brandy, chocolate syrup, dark chocolate, figs, red grapes.

Whew! Rich, sugary stuff. I get crystallized sugar, maple syrup, toasted oak, dark chocolate syrup, vanilla, toffee, butterscotch, molasses, bourbon and a touch of brandy. Heavy flavor.

Thick like a milkshake, this is creamy and full in body. Tongue-numbing booze and some heat in the nose. Very, very light carbonation is almost not there. It’s like a meal in a glass — all it needs is a cherry on top.

So, so rich and heavy. Big flavor, big feel. Double Black is very tasty, but I’m also very glad we split the bottle four ways.

Serving type: bottle

06-14-2012 22:02:50 | More by Phelps

FosterJM

California

4.73/5  rDev +5.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

1269th Review on BA
Bottle to CCB Snifter
750ML Cap/Corked

Thanks to JazzPatel for bringing this one.

Shared with Jazzpatel, GuruDel & MrHirschybar

App- Good lord thats black. I told Ehammond1 it looks like Black Tuesday was blended with Abyss. Its a black abyss and its FN dark man. A nice one finger dark brown head formed and fell quickly with some good cling.

Smell- It still has a bit of heat to it and I can appreciate the cut of this beers jib. A lot of things going on. A bit of licorice, a bit of booze, a bit of candy, with roasted grain notes.

Taste- So...Yeah. This happened. LARGE as SHIT beer. I joked with Shogo about his boot and this beer. NO F N way. Simply an amazingly smooth large ABV stout. The beer is very delicious as well. Huge creamy notes with some licorice and malty layers. Bakers chocolate and some char fill the profile.

Mouth- Full bodied and yet still creamy, Low carbonation and yet still bubbly. A very creamy beer with great depth of flavor with residual candy licorice and some anise.

Drink- Damn this was good. I dont think I was expecting it to be so good. Creamy, layered, tempered.

Serving type: bottle

05-10-2012 21:47:56 | More by FosterJM

4thelvofbeer

Virginia

4.28/5  rDev -4.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This is a really nice beer, but it has a big, big alcohol punch!! It really needs to be smoothed out a bit and with some aging could be the best thing since bread was sliced, since fire was lit. I have not tried any of the Black Damnations above 5 (with the exception of a taste of the Special K --I think it is Black 11 or something).

A: Super black, wow...really nice!
S: Deep, dark chocolate and coffee.
T: Bam!!..strong on the alcohol..in its current age, overshadows the chocolate, coffee and toasted malt undertones
M: Reeling a bit from the alcohol, but nicely smooth
O: Really nice, but takes a hit from the over-taste of alcohol. Nice for a few sips, a taste or two, but really needs some mellowing.

I have opened bottles of this and I recommend two things: If you are able to get your hands on a bottle of this, save it for a while. It will last 10 years or more...let it mellow for a few; and if you open a 750ml bottle of this, make sure you have about 10 people to share it with!

Serving type: bottle

02-12-2012 17:52:13 | More by 4thelvofbeer

nmbr0ne

Florida

4.28/5  rDev -4.3%
look: 5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured into snifter from bottle.

Appearance: This is a black hole. It absorbs everything. It's jet black, can't see through it at all. Mocha head. Good retention and ridiculous lacing. It literally stains the glass. You have to soak the glass so that it's easier to wash the next day.

Smell: Very boozy. It's not like it's a 26% beer or anything. I can't pick up any other aromas.

Taste: Flavors are much better than the smell. A lot of dark chocolate, toasted, roasted malts, coffee, some vanilla. Overall amazing flavor that would be perfect if it wasn't for the alcohol.

Mouthfeel: Thick. Syrupy. Difficult to drink at times.

Overall: I surprisingly still like it regardless of how much I didn't enjoy the alcohol. Its complexity is intriguing. I would definitely have this beer again. Very good stout.

Serving type: bottle

02-03-2012 00:43:52 | More by nmbr0ne

craytonic

District of Columbia

3.75/5  rDev -16.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance: Motor oil black with a mocha head. I got some of this on my hands while pouring and it is literally oily.

Aroma: Very strong double-strength coffee, very bitter, with lots of dark roasted malt, vanilla and tar. Boozy. Well integrated but too bitter.

Taste: Similar to the nose, although perhaps a bit more boozy. Lots of the 8-hour coffee, chocolate, vanilla, and roasted malt. Just too much booze, coffee and bitterness for me.

MOuthfeel: Thick and oily.

Overall: Interesting try, but not really drinkable. Just too much, a few ounces is plenty.

Serving type: bottle

01-30-2012 03:30:30 | More by craytonic

TheGordianKnot

Tennessee

4/5  rDev -10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Very generously shared by Curtis at our Nashville tasting. I will admit that I'm reviewing this one from a pour into a small tasting glass- but honestly thats about all you need of this bad boy...

A- Black, just like motor oil dripping into my glass. Has no head whatsoever. Sticks to the glass like thick molasses. Very sinister looking beer.

S- Sweet aroma overall, though there are hints of roast. Brown sugar, molasses, milk and dark chocolate, figs, and a splash of alcohol- this really is a plethora of sweet aromas which is making me a little apprehensive to taste.

T/M- Damn, thats hot! A lot of perceived alcohol flavor. Also very sweet; much like a fig newton flavor. Some vanilla and cookie dough also hit the palate before a little bitterness comes into play. Coffee, ashy/burnt bread and dark chocolate. Body is a big bold bitch! Pretty damn full and slick, almost a jaw workout. No carbonation at all.

O- Well, definitely a big time want and it didn't disappoint, probably because I knew it wouldn't be my favorite beer of all time- I just really wanted to try it. The alcohol was a bit much, but overall there ended up being enough bitterness to break up the intense sweetness. Liked it, wouldn't spend $90 on it, but would like to have another to age...

Serving type: bottle

01-18-2012 15:26:17 | More by TheGordianKnot

yourefragile

District of Columbia

4.43/5  rDev -0.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

750 mL bottle shared by Dr. Abmuh. Boom.

Pours viscous and oily, black and soulless with a fleeting dark mocha head. Dense aroma of coffee, raisin, smoke, booze, and cocoa. Very interesting body that is simulatenously intensely robust and thick before the alcohol asserts itself and finishes not quite thin, but less oily and chewy than it starts (ed: wtf was that sentence, it makes no sense dude). Strong coffee flavor throughout, intensely roasty, with chocolate, faint hops, and just general robust "strength" (ed: again, with the saying crap that doesn't mean anything). A little more interesting than Black Tuesday (ed: I give up), and this was sampled with other "sippers" instead of stouts (Tenacious Cassis, Figgy Pudding, Divine Retribution, Batch 7000) and stood out among them. Very happy to try this, thanks for sharing Matt.

Serving type: bottle

01-14-2012 17:48:17 | More by yourefragile