Hunahpu's Imperial Stout - Cigar City Brewing

Gfunk720

Connecticut

4.83/5  rDev +5.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Cracked my first bomber of Hunahpu's last night, consumed from my DFH snifter glass. I thought this beer might be contaminated at first, as there was some light seepage during shipping. Turns out it was just filled to the top, but was still good.

A- Black as night, and very oil looking. Coats the inside of the glass with a chocolate brown film. Pours a nice healthy head, probably a finger or two. The head is dark brown, with almost a ruby red tinge to it.

S- Smells of toasted malts primarily to me. Has some noticeable scents of chilli's and chocolate as well. I also get some slightly caramel aromas as well.

T- Tastes amazing. Starts with the taste of a very smooth and robust stout, transitions to a delicious chocolatey flavor, and the perfect balance of hops on the back end. Some of these chocolate beers tend to over-do it a bit, but this one is a great blend.

M- I expected this to be a lot more overpowering on the mouthfeel due to appearance. However, it is very nice and tolerable. Not too thick, and certainly not as oily as it looks in the glass.

D- Due to the very tolerable mouthfeel, the drinkability is high. The 10.5% is barely noticeable, and I housed my first glass very quickly. After I finished the bottle, I probably could have had more...

Overall, an very excellent beer and lived up to the hype IMO. A very drinkable, and well balanced RIS.

** Update** After having this beer a few more times, I really feel like it is probably one of my favoriote beers. Amazingly good, and so drinkable. If you can find some, GET IT!

Serving type: bottle

03-21-2010 20:33:46 | More by Gfunk720

CrellMoset

Virginia

4.47/5  rDev -2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

750 mL bottle courtesy of ahatcher78 - many thanks to a great trader for a huge want. Poured in to a tulip.

Appearance: Pours a wretchedly, hideously thick black, just an absolute oily morass, seething and churning through the bottle's aperture in to the tulip with a huge, viscous, violent anger. My inadvertently vigorous pour causes a finger and a half of one of the darkest-hued heads I've ever seen to rise out of this beast, a chocolatey, frothy foam, dense and milky, with fairly good retention for a beer with this many additives and of this abv%. This beer looks fierce, no doubt about it. There's no hint of surface lace, and only a thin ring of lace and a few erratic, random spots of lace avoid getting swallowed up in the body.

Aroma: Chili powder notes are evident immediately, and they add quite a lot: the smokiness of the chilis compliments the smoky, toasted malt notes, themselves suggesting dark toast, black malt, a faint kiss of char, and a good deal of smoke; the spice compliments the cocoa nibs in particular, adding a robust, earthy note to the already deep, black, fudgy, bittersweet chocolate notes; and - amazingly, beautifully - the sweetness of the chiles compliment the aforementioned, too, as it does the dark toffee, the bright, ethereal vanilla, and caramel notes. Indeed, the chilies are the star player among this for me, though it may also be that my nose is "skewed" - I've always been inordinately sensitive to spicy smells and food, though I love what's happening here. Lest I forget the cinnamon - which compliments the earth of the chilies, the sweetness of the chilies and the cocoa, and interplays in ways with the vanilla that makes me long for a sundae of some sorts.

Taste: I'll get it out of the way that I liked - but did not love - Marshal Zhukov's Stout (MZS), the base beer for Hunahpu. I thought it was incredibly dark, astringent, and indeed, too heavily toasted for me. Hunahpu's goes a long way towards assuaging most of my dislikes about that beer. First, there's way more residual sweetness in Hunahpu's, though it isn't by any means syrupy or cloying - indeed, I'd still say it's on the dry side for an imperial stout, which is a good thing, both because it keeps things from getting tired and overly-decadent, and also because it lets the supporting cast of flavors shine through. What malts do I speak of? Black chocolate truffle, huge and fudgy, bittersweet is prominent, obviously the result of the cocoa addition - yes, there were cocoa notes in MZS, but the notes here are very brownie-like. Second is a handful of nicely burned and nearly blackened toast, slightly astringent and glassy in places, but on the whole fairly nice. A few other very dark coffee notes and malt-esque fruit sugars (thick, rummy raisins perhaps, as well as a few heavy berry notes) compliment.

But as I mentioned above, sure this beer is malt heavy, but it's not sweet for the sake of sweet, which allows the remainder of the notes to shine through. Sweet chliles add a kiss of actual spice - mostly in the middle of the register, which is a nice change to the heat that you usually accompany in the finish of a beer - that actually lingers far beyond when that chemical-ish alcohol burn lingers. The vanilla is still bright, registering fairly high up, but also augments the sweet earthiness of the chili and the sweet earthiness of the cocoa/malts. And cinnamon earthiness compliments the malts while similarly contributing a spicy note that compliments the kiss of the chiles. Throughout all this, this beer maintains no hint of alcohol burn (at least, that's identifiable separate from the chili heat), no surplusage of residual sugars, and no shortage of intriguing flavors.

Mouthfeel: As thick as you'd imagine from the appearance, with tons of residual sugars - despite the heavily toasted body - and a fair amount of carbonation making for a big, smooth, creamy mess, like a melted chocolate milkshake with, well, with chiles. As the carbonation dies down a little, it gets really decadent, with everything melding very well, though I do dock the half point for it being a little too frothy and foamy for a little too long.

Drinkability: What an intriguing beer. Complexity abounds, alcohol's nowhere to be found, and this one's incredibly complex and mature for its youth. I can only imagine that barrel aging could have done further wonders for it. An impressive "limited release" debut from the new best brewery in Florida, and one I was thrilled to have the chance to try.

Serving type: bottle

03-20-2010 03:52:15 | More by CrellMoset

squaremile

Oregon

4.25/5  rDev -6.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 3.5

Poured during a BA tasting event. Great thick mouthfeel, maybe the thickest I've ever had. Nose is vanilla, sweetness, chocolate, and some spice. Taste is more of the same with dark chocolate, cocoa, and vanilla flavors being balanced by some spicy pepper notes. Kind of like drinking a piece of dark chocolate combined with biting hot peppers. Drinkability suffers a bit just from the enormity of this beer. Very memorable.

EDIT: Had this again, review remains the same. I noticed more cocoa and pepper this time around, and there was an oil slick left around the glass on finish.

Serving type: bottle

03-19-2010 06:23:54 | More by squaremile

Reagan1984

Massachusetts

4.45/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

I want to give a shout out to Masterski for giving me the heads up that Cigar City still had some bottles of Hunahpu's left. Very glad to have the opportunity to try this beer.

This is one thick looking beer is my first reaction. The head rises from within and is about as dark & gold as I've ever seen. Almost a metallic gold colored head. Nice retention which finally settles to a ring around the glass. There isn't classic lacing, but the beer has metallic golden legs. Swirl it around and it literally coats the inside of your glass. Shiny deep brown in color and totally opaque.

The aroma lets you know there is a great deal of complexity here. Sweet, chocolate dark roasted malt.... A touch of cinnamon and just a sense of the peppers. If I didn't know the peppers were there, I could not have pulled it out. But once you know, you can detect the aroma a touch. At certain points while drinking it I sensed vanilla, but that was definitely later as it warmed further.

A lot happening here and this is almost as sweet as Dark Lord. Dark chocolate at first, roasted malt second. Then an explosion of different tastes. Each sip is a little different. After you swallow you get a slight warming from the peppers, but no spice at all. Prunes, molasses, vanilla at certain moments. The dark chocolate is probably the most consistent flavor. There is a brief moment of ABV, but not hit at all. Very complex.

The body is about as thick as I've seen. Just shy of syrup. Again, I mention the coating ability of this beer. Smooth until the peppers hit and provide a little tickle in your throat.

Grab at least two friends to try and kill this bottle. A slow sipper and one that you should enjoy in conservative quantities. I really enjoyed this, but if it had just a touch more vanilla I think it would be off the charts. The body on this is amazing.

Serving type: bottle

03-19-2010 02:01:40 | More by Reagan1984

kbutler1

Minnesota

4.3/5  rDev -5.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Had the pleasure of tasting this one the day of the release after I grabbed my ticket.
Was poured into a nice CC snifter glass.
Dark as can be with a slight very dark tan head. Smells of dark chocolate, coffee, and some sort of spice. The first taste is very different than any other Imperial Stout I have ever had. The taste is the usual IS bittersweet chocolate and coffee but then proceed with a spice taste. Also has a nice hop profile to it.
Medium heavy mouthfeel with a nice level of carbonation.
Overall, this is an excellent beer that I could drink anytime!
Curious to see what some time on a bottle will do for it.

Serving type: on-tap

03-17-2010 22:31:58 | More by kbutler1

urwithdave

Florida

4.9/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from tap into CCB snifter. Reviewing from notes (not that I'd need them for this one because it was soooo freaking good) taken on 3/12/10 at the release at CCB.

A- Pours used motor oil. Blacker than black. A good inch of head that has nice retention. Leaves nice lacing.

S- Just heavenly! Big chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla, and molasses.

T- If I wouldn't have had the apple brandy aged hunahpu I would tell you that Hunahpu is the BEST beer I have ever had. However, I have had the apple brandy hunahpu. Therefore, Hunahpu is the second best beer I have ever drank in my life. The nose isn't far off here. Chocolate, vanilla, and molasses. The flavors blend PERFECTLY! Just when you think it can't get any better, the chilies kick in and you get a hint of them on the way down!

M- SUPERB!! CREAMY as they get. Perfect amount of carbonation. Leaves me looking forward to the next drink.

D- I will drink this whenever I can. If you haven't had it find it and try it. The only thing I could knock on this one is the fact that I wouldn't be able to drink it all night/day/morning due to the higher abv. However, it is a BIG Stout...can I even really knock it for the ABV???

Serving type: on-tap

03-17-2010 06:42:33 | More by urwithdave

FringeBeers

New Hampshire

4.9/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Finally showed up at my house from a buddy in FL.

An inky blackness to the brew with a nice tannish head. Great lacing down the side of the glass. Reminded me of used motor oil.

Smells of chocolate, coffee, vanilla, and a bit of spiciness from the peppers.

This was an amazing brew and a good way to start my ratings here on BA. Nice chocolate flavor up front. Coffee and vanilla follow suit and a bit of spice right at the end. Just enough to not overpower the beer or taint the aftertaste. This is my favorite beer of 2010 so far.

A nice carbonation to the brew and smooth as velvet, just lovely.

This is an amazing beer that I easily could have had more of, but price and rarity make it a bit hard to just drink every bottle i have down. Plus I want to see how it ages.

Serving type: bottle

03-17-2010 03:10:18 | More by FringeBeers

DosBeerigos

Florida

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

C. Hard to see clarity when the beer is Black
H. Dark Black
N. Coffee, Cinnamon, Chocolate, hints of Vanilla

Comments taken from my blog

Alright this is why we came to Tampa. While I have had this beer before at craft festivals I have never actually reviewed it. Love the nose of this beer, it has such strong scent of coffee and cinnamon. It is hard to compare that odor, but it makes me happy. After first sip you can taste the cinnamon, coffee, and a hint of brown sugar and vanilla. Pretty complex and matures well while reaching room temperature. I would say slightly chilled is a great temperature for this aggressive beer. It is very smooth and easy to drink. Not an extremely thick Imperial stout. Wow...I'm really happy that I came to Tampa and am able to pick up some bottles of this beer. I personally think it is going to become AMAZING over time.

Serving type: on-tap

03-15-2010 00:49:56 | More by DosBeerigos

cyrusthepup

Florida

4.93/5  rDev +8.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Enjoyed in a snifter at CCB taproom.

A: Pours motor oil black with a nice tan head. Good retention.

S: Slightly sweet and lots of chocolate. The cinnamon, vanilla and chiles are subtle but you can pick them up. Wonderful.

T: Serious chocolate up front followed by the cinnamon and vanilla. I realized that the warmth I was getting was from the chiles and not necessarily the alcohol. Wow, I'm not sure if I have experienced so much going on in a beer. Given all the flavors in this beer it is extremely well balanced. One of the better i've had for this style.

M: Thick, very smooth and chewy. Low carbonation.

D: Very drinkable given the ABV. Could have a couple but i'm sure it sneaks up on you. Glad I picked up a few 750's to age and enjoy later.

Thanks CCB for another fine beer!

Serving type: on-tap

03-14-2010 04:43:31 | More by cyrusthepup

beeruser

South Carolina

4.9/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Marshal Zhukov's Imperial Stout with THE SUPER treatment of 5 pillow sized bags of Pasillo And Ancho peppers along with vanilla, cinnamon and cocoa nibs.
FunkeyDelic and I got the honor to pour this stuff ALL day at Brewvival,and WOW.

A: Almost as black as stouts come with a very odd deep marron head. One of the most unique heads Ive EVER seen on a beer.

S: HEAVY chocolate, dark fruits and some chili spices, no serious burn from the chilies( I thought there would be)

T: Creamy,ULTRA roasty, incredibly well balanced, lots of chocolate and cinnamon,chillies finish it but once again not too heavy. BEAUTIFUL beer!!

M:VERY Full bodied beer, creamy and kinda hot from the peppers,little of vanilla

D: I drank the fool outta this beer at Brewvival, hell we were sitting next to a damn half barrel all damn day. Needless to say it keeps you wantin more when it hits your lips!!Drinkable... yes very!!!!

This was a Truly GREAT Beer from CCB. They blow me away with the treatments on these beers they are making, What gangster pimps. Thanks Wayne and Joey

Serving type: on-tap

03-14-2010 04:07:18 | More by beeruser

Thorpe429

Illinois

4.75/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Had this on tap at Cigar City early in the afternoon right after I got my ticket to buy the bottles.

A: Pours a very viscous dark, dark brown with a very nice tan head with plenty of lacing.

S: Whoa, lots going on here. Everything is almost overpowering, yet fits so well together. Lots of chocolate up front, followed by more subtle hints of roasted malt, vanilla, roasted chilis, and cinnamon.

T: Even better than the nose. Right up there with the absolute best imperial stouts I'd had; definitely top three. All that's there in the nose is there with the first sip, and the complexity of this beer only improves with each sip as it gets a bit warmer. The chocolate is definitely the base, and the light touches of cinnamon, vanilla, and chili peppers are fantastic and make this such a well-rounded beer.

M: Very thick and huge. Nice and chewy, yet incredibly smooth. Fairly low carbonation, but entirely appropriate. No alcohol heat.

D: Insane. Each sip brings forth new nuances. I spent less than 16 hours in Tampa, waking up a 3:00am on consecutive days for early flights (one of which didn't pan out), and if I hadn't gotten bottles, I'd still be supremely happy and thought the whole trip worth it.

Serving type: on-tap

03-13-2010 21:32:44 | More by Thorpe429

aubuc1

Florida

4.55/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Poured on tap in to a goblet at the lost kangaroo.

Poured flat. A midnight black pour with an intimidated edge. Steady, sticky lacing.

Smell is roasty rich with a complicated sense.

Taste is roasty, creamy, slightly fruity with a peppery finish.

the best mouthfeel I have had in a beer.

The booze was not noticable at all to me.

Kudos to the Roo for having it on tap.

Serving type: on-tap

03-13-2010 20:18:04 | More by aubuc1

jwjon1

Delaware

4.78/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

CCB knocked it out of the park. Phenomenal beer. Thick, dark, aromatic, and extremely complex. Chocolate and chili peppers are a classic combo, and though I've had this combo many times in a variety of beer styles, never have I had it in a IS. And it really works and adds a new level of complexity to the already fabulous Zhukov.

Tried the Brandy and Bourbon BA versions as well, but the stock brew was by far my favorite... added alcohol and boozy notes from the barrels simply overwhelm the subtleties of this amazing brew.

Serving type: on-tap

03-13-2010 16:14:06 | More by jwjon1

Yimosan

Florida

4.75/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Had it on tap at Cigar City yesterday...btw, love the new digs!!!

A: Used motor oil is light compared to this beer. When I saw it coming out of the tap, I could only think of Hershey chocolate syrup! The head was dark; about a finger thick and faded quickly, however, it left a nice sticky residue on my glass.

S: Coffee, chocolate, molasses and some licorice. At first pour the aroma was not as strong as I thought it would be, but as it sat on my glass it grew stronger.

T: The first sip knocked my shoes off...the chocolate hit me like an Amtrak train, then coffee, peppers and faint vanilla rounded things up. As far as after taste, I love the sweetness it leaves behind, and the vanilla feels almost like mild licorice. YUM!

M: It is creamy and full body, chewy almost...someone should make a candy bar out of this wonderful elixir of the Gods!

D: This beer is scary good...after all, the 11% ABV is so well hidden that if the first sip knocks your shoes off, after a few glasses you will be walking home barefoot and wondering where you left your shoes.

This beer is special, not for sessions though. I think Hunahpu would make a great dessert beer, I could have this with a slice of Black Forest cake!!! AWESOME BREW GUYS!!!

Salud!

Serving type: on-tap

03-07-2010 02:14:03 | More by Yimosan

MikeGill

New York

3.53/5  rDev -22.6%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 2.5

Tasted on 2/18/10 at Big Z Beverage in Huntington NY during an in-store event.

This is the Marshal Zhukov's Imperial Stout with the addition of Pasillo and Ancho peppers along with vanilla, cinnamon and cocoa.

Draught beer poured by the brewer into a plastic cup.

Pours an ink black but unlike the straight Zhukov, there is a small tan head. Huge nose consisting of Bourbon aromas with licorice, chilies and chinese herbs. Smells exotic, like walking into some strange shop in Chinatown.

Big Bourbon-like alcohol heat. Rich and oily with tons of spice and bitterness. Flavors of charred wood and tobacco mix well with cocoa and spices. These flavors will stay on your palate for a long time. In fact, if you wish to taste anything else after Hunahpu's you will have to make a conscious effort to cleanse the palate. This beer has a ton of character. It is definitely an artisan product.

Serving type: on-tap

03-05-2010 18:24:40 | More by MikeGill

md655321

South Carolina

4.9/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Stunning.

On tap at Brewvival, huge thanks to COAST and the Charleston Beer Exchange for doing an incredible job. Charleston is becoming a serious beer town thanks to Scott and Rich at CBX in particular.

A: Almost black, with a beautiful dark mahogany at the edges. Dark crimson legs. Wondeful and unique.

S: The usual with bits of chocolate and a touch of cayenne pepper/chilis.

T: Amazing. Creamy, roasty, incredibly well integrated, with little spice and lots of chocolate. Shockingly good.

D: I managed about 4 or 5 five oz pours throughout the day. It was wonderful every time.

I love this beer. At first I was excited because I wouldn't have to trade to try it. Now I know I will have to trade for some because it is a top 5 beer for me.

Serving type: on-tap

03-01-2010 23:48:19 | More by md655321

northyorksammy

Ontario (Canada)

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

Cigar City takes NYC event at Rumble 'N' Hum, on tap. Had this the next day. Big peppers, great dinkability and edge. Very dark brown with brown lace. Cigar wood and chocolate, but the pepper is paramount.
Extraordinary beer, that I would seek out again, and I do not say that too often.
Had this again in bottle about 2 years later and it is very tasty stuff. Sour edge .

Serving type: on-tap

02-21-2010 19:07:10 | More by northyorksammy

dudecandle

New York

4.88/5  rDev +7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

8 oz pour into Chimay goblet at Rattle n Hum:

A: Black body, somewhat brownish in the light, with a dark dark brown head

S: Big chocolate, coffee, vanilla, salami smoke, and caramel.

T: Huge chocolate: dark, but not too dark. Coffee and sweeet caramel complement well, along with some nice touch of smoke. Rounding it out perfectly is a good dose of cardamom. Brilliant. Unlike some other big stouts with big flavors, everything here comes together perfectly. Right proportions, right balance. Wow.

M: Full, with layers upon layers of flavor, a slight alcohol burn, and a long-lasting finish.

D: This is the perfect stout. Huge flavors, subtle flavors, big body. The only knock is that it's so understated in its strength that it can really get ahead of you, if that's a knock.

Serving type: on-tap

02-18-2010 04:23:17 | More by dudecandle

SpeedwayJim

New York

4.75/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Had this one at Rattle n Hum during their CCB brings everything event 2/17. Served out of a wine glass because they ran out of glassware.

A: Served with no head. Beer is opaque black, like a purified motor oil, premium grade! Leaves stringy lacing that eminates from the surface of the brew.

S: Smoky dark chocolate and cocoa are very apparent in the nose. Coffee aroma is strinkingly missing replaced by a very unique and pleasant chili spiciness that tempts the nose and beckons it closer. Flavors are not overwhelming though and in fact, quite subtle, which is why I dock this a bit for the style.

T: Opens with a milk/dark roasted chocolate. Cocoa is apparent as is a subtle roasted malt bill. These flavors feel like they've been meshed together and smoothed out with a sandblaster, they blend so well. End is a unique sweet spiciness akin to a sugared red chili pepper... sounds weird, but oh so very good. Finish is very clean for an imperial stout. No stickiness, no real apparent lingering flavors.

M: Medium to full bodied, very low carbonation and as silky smooth as silky smooth can get. Completely clean in the mouth and leaves no oily residue or sticky aftertaste. Finish is a bit dry and does not linger at all. It's as if this beer is made of liquified satin.

D: Some beers are rated highly due to hype. Some beers create hype by being good. CCB Hunahpu is in a class of its own. I just had this about 2 hours ago and I can't wait to have more. The smoothest, most drinkable, and most unique IS that I've ever had by a mile. I'd give this a 6 if I could. Deserving of everything that's been said about it.

Serving type: on-tap

02-18-2010 03:45:50 | More by SpeedwayJim

PorterLambic

Florida

4.88/5  rDev +7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Delivered black hole black with a cocoa-colored head, big and creamy that slowly dissipates and leaves great lacing.
Smell is roasted malt, fruitcake (wheat and alcohol soaked dark fruit), vanilla and a hint of nuts.
Taste is all that the nose delivers and ginger, hops and smoke. Alcohol present but not obvious or overbearing. Great balance.
Full bodied and extraordinarily creamy. Smooth like velvet or a baby's butt (bad image?). Alcohol warming with a slightly dry finish. You must drink this if the opportunity presents itself. No arguing.

Serving type: on-tap

02-02-2010 02:49:15 | More by PorterLambic

kfsv034

Florida

4.78/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Had this at the grand reopening on January 15th so I'm going off memory.

A - Appearance was black with a thin brown head that dissipated quickly

S - Vanilla, coffee, chocolate and a cinnamon like smell probably from the chillies

T - Amazing, Goes trough 4 different distinct flavors vanilla, coffee, chocolate and the chillies on the backend. Honestly I didn't think this would be as wonderful as it was. I thought the chillies would be to much but they made it just perfect.

M - Creamy

D - At the high ABV of 11.5% the alcohol is masked extremely well.

Overall this is a beer lovers dream extremely complex and super tasty. Easily my new favorite beer.

Serving type: on-tap

01-21-2010 23:20:41 | More by kfsv034

drink1121

California

4.88/5  rDev +7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Had this at the re-grand opening event on 1/15/10.

A- Pour a thick black with a light dark brown head.

S-Vanilla and light chocolate hit the nose first then some roasted malts.

T-Again big vanilla. Then roasted malts come in with some chocalate (not dark, but not milk either). No bitterness present. Great flavor. You cant really taste the chili peppers at all. No heat either.

M-Very creamy, and kinda hot. I didnt taste the peppers, but about 1/3 done witht he beer and you start to feel a slight burn, a good burn down your throat. Not an alcohol burn tho, a hot pepeper burn.

D-For and 11.5% beer, you cant taste the alcohol at all. If I were to guess, I would have said 7%. This is one great beer, I could have a ton of these, until I started to stagger across the room. Best beer I have had to date. PERIOD.

Serving type: on-tap

01-20-2010 16:20:08 | More by drink1121

Shaw

Florida

4.35/5  rDev -4.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

I was really looking forward to trying this beer at the Cock & Bull Pub's Cigar City night.

It's black, of course, with a foamy dark brown head.

It smells of chocolate and coffee.

The taste is very chocolaty. With the creamy body it's very much like a beer-chocolate milkshake. But that's not all. There is also a nice chili spice. It's not hot; instead the beer has just a twang of heat. Very good. There is no hint of the high alcohol level, so beware.

The body is super-creamy. It's the creamiest beer I can remember.

An excellent beer. It's one of Cigar City's best, and that's saying a lot.

Serving type: on-tap

12-17-2009 04:33:32 | More by Shaw

cavedave

New York

4.6/5  rDev +0.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

From notes

The look is a light weight of motor oil. A light brown head diminishes to a persistent skim atop this opaque beauty. Just the look for a big stout, nice.

The smell is a medium aroma of all the different burnt and bitter flavors one expects in a stout, but more of them, joined here with spicy notes, maybe clove or cinnamon, and behind it all, not at all overpoweringly, is the chile. It is a marvelous bouquet, complex, somehow balanced, full of the darker side of wonderful flavor.

The sip is an immediate jolt of taste, sharp, creamy, rich, bitter, smoky, all at once. It starts full of these blackest roast flavors, burnt sugar, bitter chocolate, darkest roast coffee, pure herbal bitter into a finish that finally crescendoes on notes of spice and hot pepper. Crazy complexity here. Each sip gets better, the coffee and bitter chocolate grow, the spice blends, the peaks in the sip ascend. I feel like I am drinking flavors I've never tasted. The chile doesn't overpower, making this flavor, this finish, bold, clean, dark, lasting, and mind blowing. Incredibly good.

Mouthfeel is not the thickest of this style, but holds its own. Carbonation is tastefully low, but lasts through the glass, and compliments well. Very pleasant feel here, not artificial at all, supporting the flavor profile quite well. Nice.

Drinkability rating for a stout strikes me as somewhat moot, always has, but this stout is a sipper of cautionary proportion in every way possible.

Impression: Complex and dark and delicious. This is a must try.

Serving type: on-tap

12-10-2009 23:56:12 | More by cavedave

rramis

Florida

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

Served at Redlight Redlight in Orlando, FL. The owner had it on C02 and decided to experiment with it and put it on nitro, WOW!!!! So he kept it that way.

A-Dark as night with a beautiful two finger creamy brown head. It reminded me of chocolate mousse.

S-Chocolate right off the top with hints of coffee, ancho chilies, and spices.

T-Dark chocolate, followed by spices and alittle vanilla. Finished slightly warm from the ancho chillies.

M-Very nice, creamy. The nitro put a nice feel to it. Felt sliky and velvety.

D-Fantabulous!!! Very smooth and warm. One of the best Imperial Stouts I have ever had. Cigar City is surprising me everytime I have one of their exceptional beers. Keep it up!!!

Serving type: nitro-tap

11-19-2009 16:35:25 | More by rramis