Propeller Revolution - Propeller Brewery

thehyperduck

Ontario (Canada)

4.2/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

500 mL bottle from the LCBO; bottled in week one of Nov 2012. I've been looking forward to popping this one open since I picked it up a few weeks ago – but I was a little saturated on imperial stouts at the time and decided to put this one off until 2013. I've had a sample of this RIS before and really liked it, but this mug contains my first true glass of the stuff. Served slightly chilled.

Pours an opaque, inky black colour, topped at first with two fingers of puffy, foamy, tan-coloured head. The abundance of bubbles within the foam kind of make it look like a spongecake, at least for five minutes or so - after which point the head has seeped away, leaving behind a smooth, dense, creamy cap at the surface. A few modest smears of lacing stick to the sides above the collar. The aroma is malty, sweet, a little roasted and a little fruity, with hints of cocoa, butterscotch, molasses, prunes and milk chocolate. A faint smoky note becomes more noticeable as the drink warms.

Tasty, though perhaps not the most bold-tasting RIS I've had in the last little while. The flavour has more roasted malt than the aroma let on, with a mixture of dark chocolate and brown sugar notes. Not much dark fruit; rather the chocolate is directly overtaken by anise-like herbal notes in the finish and the sweet, malty, somewhat roasty, bitter aftertaste. The alcohol is noticeable, but works well with the bitter finish. Medium-bodied; there's some thickness to it but this one is kind of straddling the line between 'ok' body and 'just plain weak' body. The carbonation is also a bit high for an RIS which doesn't help the situation. One thing I will say is that it's very drinkable for the style, almost dangerously so.

I really enjoy the taste of this stuff, but it's worth pointing out that I wouldn't consider this a particularly complex or rich-tasting RIS. It's flavourful in a relatively straightforward, carefully manicured way, with just enough kick from the booze to remind you to expect a punch once you're finished the glass.

Final Grade: 4.2, an A-. This is my first review of anything in Propeller Brewery's portfolio, but if their other beers are anything like Revolution Imperial Stout, I've been depriving myself for no good reason. This stuff is better than most of the OCB RISs I've tried over the last few months, and pretty good value at its Ontario price point. More body would be appreciated, but this is still one of the better imperial stouts in the country as far as I'm concerned. A brew I hope the LCBO keeps bringing back every winter.

Serving type: bottle

01-05-2013 20:21:33 | More by thehyperduck

joemcgrath27

Alberta (Canada)

4.03/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

big ups to andrenaline for including this trade treat from one of my fave east coast Canadian brewers
A - solid black, thumb of brown creamy head retained well with fairly consistent lacing as it receded
S - cocoa and roastiness with a unique spice note that I can't put my finger (allspice or cloves maybe???), touch of cola on the back
T - big roasty malts with a splash of cola, mild dry dusty cocoa, mild grassy hops and leathery flavours round it out
M - near to chewy but lightened slightly by the alcohol, smooth and slightly musty with just a touch of alcohol drying it out, very sneaky drinkable
O - a very nice entry into the style, nice traditional flavours with ease of consumption being a highlight for me

Serving type: bottle

05-09-2013 02:40:55 | More by joemcgrath27

UCLABrewN84

California

3.56/5  rDev -10.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Thanks to jmgrub for sharing this one at GRG1313’s tasting.

Pours a clear super dark brown with a foamy khaki head that settles to a film on top of the beer. Small dots of lace form around the glass on the drink down. Smell is of dark roasted malt, cocoa, and vanilla aromas. Taste is much the same with cocoa and char flavors on the finish. There is a medium amount of roasty bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a lower level of carbonation with a slightly crisp and medium bodied mouthfeel. Overall, this is a pretty good beer that smells slightly better than it tastes in my opinion.

Serving type: bottle

05-08-2013 03:06:49 | More by UCLABrewN84

GRG1313

California

3.75/5  rDev -5.8%

05-07-2013 06:34:56 | More by GRG1313

beerhunter13

Ontario (Canada)

3.5/5  rDev -12.1%

05-06-2013 10:53:36 | More by beerhunter13

biegaman

Ontario (Canada)

3.75/5  rDev -5.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

Some Russian Imperial Stouts are black as tar, others are not. Revolution's illuminated reddish trim gives away the brownness (as opposed to blackness) of its complexion. Its head also has a distinctly brownish tinge as well as buttery texture; the lacing it etches in the glass appears as some kind of code, the likes of which you'd need to call the Sanskrit experts in to transcribe.

The aroma, oddly enough, has a distinctive pumpkin spice quality as it practically drips with anise, ginger or clove-like spice, traces of vanilla and brown sugar, and a strong earthiness (courtesy of hops). It is also characterized by notes of instant coffee powder and tart choke cherries. Not at all unpleasant though should be richer malt-wise and not what I was expecting.

In the flavour, coffee replays along with smoky malts, black fruits, a sliver of chili and drops of vanilla. More than just fine to drink fresh - it's encouraged. Aside from being unsubstantial for aging, alcohol is a non-factor and significant hopping provides an earthy element for which the beer is better-off having. It definitely has a spiced Christmas cake/pumpkin ale thing going on.

The beer looked a bit gloppy coming out the bottle and, indeed, the mouthfeel is initially quite chewy. Once swallowed, however, prickly bubbles catch you by surprise, clearing the way for a dusty, oxidized, somewhat metallic texture and the heavily vinous qualities that develop in the aftertaste. It is decidedly dry and offers little lingering roast, virtually no depth and zero intensity.

Not to take away from Propeller's pioneering efforts but Revolution is hardly rousing for an imperial stout. Sure, an offering like this goes a long way to rectifying and, ideally, reforming a lacking Atlantic Canadian beer portfolio, but despite the usual excellent quality and artisanal approach of this brewery, it's not an imperial stout I'd confidently recommend.

Serving type: bottle

04-12-2013 02:13:13 | More by biegaman

phirleh

Ontario (Canada)

3.75/5  rDev -5.8%

04-04-2013 13:08:53 | More by phirleh

EgadBananas

Louisiana

3.95/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours black as night, slight light brown head. Light lace and retention. Molasses, roast, leather, coffee, dark fruits, faint booze. Chocolate, figs, molasses, spicy notes, dark fruits. Creamy medium ful body. Solid, nice RIS. Not the highest I ABV, but feels substantial still.

Thanks Chris!

Serving type: bottle

03-21-2013 01:40:57 | More by EgadBananas

lgmol

Nova Scotia (Canada)

4.25/5  rDev +6.8%

02-28-2013 22:02:43 | More by lgmol

DaPan

Ontario (Canada)

3.5/5  rDev -12.1%

02-14-2013 22:09:24 | More by DaPan

CAMRAhardliner

Ontario (Canada)

3.85/5  rDev -3.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pure black with a modest tan head that lasts a good while. Roasted malt, cocoa and licorice take the lead in the nose. Chipotle spiciness and some alcohol heat linger in the background. The taste is huge on roasted malt coffee and chocolate. Some herbal, catty hops provide a balance without ever overshadowing the big malt profile. The mouthfeel is sparsely carbonated and just short of fullbodied. Alcohol is present with a warming kick - never distracting, but always there. The finish is roasty and mildly bitter.

This is a decent Imperial Stout from a great brewery. It could have more hop presence and a thicker, chewier body. Still great stuff worth trying.

Serving type: bottle

02-13-2013 03:12:00 | More by CAMRAhardliner

TheSevenDuffs

Ontario (Canada)

3.8/5  rDev -4.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75

Bottled November, week 1.
Poured in to snifter.

A - Poured dark brown, settled black. A thin layer of light brown head formed and receded to a ring around the glass.

S - A fairy sweet nose. Roast, semi-sweet chocolate, dark caramel and molasses.

T - A big bitter roast profile with sweet chocolate, dark caramel and molasses in the background.

M - Medium body, slightly creamy. Light carbonation.

Serving type: bottle

02-09-2013 20:14:36 | More by TheSevenDuffs

RedAleMan

Ontario (Canada)

4/5  rDev +0.5%

02-08-2013 23:11:32 | More by RedAleMan

KrisDLSmith

Ontario (Canada)

4.5/5  rDev +13.1%

02-04-2013 14:00:15 | More by KrisDLSmith

Picaroon

Ontario (Canada)

4.25/5  rDev +6.8%

02-03-2013 00:29:28 | More by Picaroon

Digimaika2

Ontario (Canada)

4.08/5  rDev +2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

Bottle dated: 1st week of November, 2012.

(4.0) A: Black as tar with a solid height of mocha brown coloured head. Good retention with some streaky lacing.

(4.25) S: Roasted malt, fair bit of smoke, dark fruits (plums and figs), molasses, and quite a tropical fruit aroma towards the end that might be banana. Quite complex with full and enticing aromas.

(4.0) T: Dark chocolate, anise, rich dark fruits, slight smoke (more pronounced in aroma), and sweet banana. Similar to aroma with good complexity. Very good contrast between bitter herbal qualities and sweet tropical fruit and chocolate notes.

(4.25) M: Full bodied with a moderate carbonation. Smooth and oily. Appropriately bitter which transitions to the sweeter elements that overall end up creating a balanced finish.

(4.0) D: This is a very good imperial stout and something I could see aging well. Would love to see more of Propeller’s stuff at the LCBO.

Serving type: bottle

01-17-2013 02:43:32 | More by Digimaika2

spycow

Illinois

3.75/5  rDev -5.8%

01-14-2013 01:34:11 | More by spycow

JonnyBeers

British Columbia (Canada)

4/5  rDev +0.5%

01-11-2013 19:44:41 | More by JonnyBeers

hopsolutely

Ontario (Canada)

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

A solid RIS that I’m glad to see in Ontario. Pours an inky black with impressive coffee-coloured head and offers a creamy mouthfeel, although not as thick bodied as I'd expected. A pleasant aroma of roasted dark malts with underlying barrel tannins. Robust and well balanced flavour includes chocolate, cocoa and coffee tones with a nicely dry finish. Decent blend of sweet and bitter is a real pleasure to sip on a snowy afternoon. Thank-you, Propeller!

Serving type: bottle

01-06-2013 19:38:25 | More by hopsolutely

CurtisD

New Brunswick (Canada)

4.25/5  rDev +6.8%

01-04-2013 16:22:39 | More by CurtisD

schopenhauerale

British Columbia (Canada)

4/5  rDev +0.5%

01-04-2013 05:47:15 | More by schopenhauerale

Ivanhoes_Backpack

New Brunswick (Canada)

4/5  rDev +0.5%

01-03-2013 01:34:54 | More by Ivanhoes_Backpack

cfalovo97

Ontario (Canada)

3/5  rDev -24.6%

01-01-2013 18:21:51 | More by cfalovo97

liamt07

Ontario (Canada)

4.13/5  rDev +3.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Bottle from the LCBO, 500ml into a tulip. Bottled November 2012, week one.

Body is fairly black, mocha head with excellent retention and pretty nice lace. Nose has some spiced dark fruits, molasses chocolate and some sweeter malt character. Palate has brown sugar, vanilla, some spice, chocolate and roast comes out heavy in the mid and late-palate. Medium feel, creamy texture and alcohol is disguised. A tasty imperial stout from a brewery that's generally underwhelming.

Serving type: bottle

12-30-2012 06:18:10 | More by liamt07

andrenaline

Ontario (Canada)

3.78/5  rDev -5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A great brew included in the winter LCBO release.

A - Pours pitch black, finger of head with some retention and sporadic lacing.

S - Nose is sweet with cocoa and espresso, some musty notes and malted milk on the finish.

T - Flavour profile is unique, sweet and musty cocoa, burnt toast, hints of leather and tobacco with a toasted oatmeal flavour that lingers alongside an odd metallic seaweed flavour.

M - Medium bodied, slightly prickly and finishes with a tacky finish.

O - A tasty RIS that offers up some unique flavours and was quite enjoyable. A tasty treat that is well worth seeking out.

Serving type: bottle

12-29-2012 03:02:25 | More by andrenaline