La Muerta - Freetail Brewing Company

brentk56

North Carolina

3.5/5  rDev -14.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Been in the cellar for several years - perhaps an '08 or '09

Appearance: Pours a charcoal color with chocolate highlights; very little head and no lacing action

Smell: Fudge and smoke, but not particularly vivid

Taste: Fudge, with a growing smoked meat character that builds into the middle and lingers, after the swallow, along with the chocolate elements; gets somewhat fruity in the finish, as well

Mouthfeel: Medium body with low carbonation

Overall: Perhaps I sat on this one too long, but I notice that others have not cared for the way the smoke presents itself in this beer

Serving type: bottle

10-09-2012 00:39:24 | More by brentk56

billab914

Virginia

4.25/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Reviewed from notes, opened as part of a haul from a great group of Texas BA's. Poured from a 22oz bottle into a tasting glass. Pitch black in color with a thin tan head barely covering the top.

I'm getting a lot of smoke to it in the aroma, which I love. It's got some really good notes of dark chocolate and roasty coffee. I'm getting a a bit of a chili pepper like flavor out of it as well. I loved the smoky, roasted malt flavors in it.

The smoke and dark chocolate flavors continue into the taste and again are really good. I get a little more roasted malts and coffee in the finish. The smoke is definitely the highlight for me, but it's not overdone either.

The mouthfeel is medium bodied for the style and moderately slick and oily. Carbonation is on the lower side. Overall, I thought this was one of if not the best beer of the day. I really loved the smokiness in it. Everything really came together nicely in it. Great beer overall.

Serving type: bottle

08-27-2012 14:34:47 | More by billab914

mdaschaf

Washington

3.4/5  rDev -17.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Review from notes.

A: Pours a dark brown with a one inch brown head on top. Nice retention, but minimal lacing.

S: Extremely smoky aroma with some charred malt, and little bit of meat/bacon. Some hints of chocolate as well. The smoke is a little too heavy for me.

T: The smoke is not as heavy as the aroma, which is a good thing here. It is mixed in with some heavily roasted malt, chocolate, and some dark fruit.

M: Medium bodied with moderate carbonation.

O: A little too smoky for my taste, especially in the aroma.

Serving type: bottle

08-24-2012 15:40:19 | More by mdaschaf

htomsirveaux

Texas

4.38/5  rDev +6.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

22 oz. bottle tried 7 Mar 2011. 2010 version, 108/450. Served in the (512) One snifter. Thanks to jefferz5000 for this bottle.

Large thick dark brown head. Medium carbonation. Clear, nearly black in color. Aroma is sweet roasted malts, cocoa and chocolate. Burnt sugars dominate at the beginning. Lots of sweet dark chocolate, turning bittersweet in the middle. Some espresso. Heavy body, viscous, almost oily, clings to the glass for a long time. Alcohol is quite noticeable. Dry cocoa finish, almost boozy aftertaste. Becomes sweeter as it warms.

One of the better imperial stouts we've had in a while.

Serving type: bottle

08-01-2012 15:59:51 | More by htomsirveaux

mdfb79

New York

3.78/5  rDev -7.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

From 06/09/12 notes. Big thanks to Huhzubendah for trading a bottle of this to me. Shared with friends side by side with the BA version. 2011 vintage.

a - Pours a dark brown, almost black color, with one inch of dark tan head and moderate carbonation evident.

s - Smells of smoke, peat, roasted malts, chocolate, vanilla, light dark fruits. Pretty nice; the smoke is there but not overbearing.

t - Tastes of smoke, vanilla, roasted malts, peat, dark fruits, toasted malts, chocolate. Much more smoke and vanilla than the nose, but too much smoke for me.

m - Medium body and moderate carbonation. Smooth body but a sipper for sure.

o - Overall a pretty good smoked stout. I liked the nose, though thought the smoke dominated the taste a bit. If you like smoked beers worth checking out, though I preferred the BA version a bit.

Serving type: bottle

06-27-2012 19:43:39 | More by mdfb79

elNopalero

Texas

4.85/5  rDev +18.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

2011 vintage.

Split this bad boy the first week of June after cellaring it since November. Time has definitely taken what was already an excellent imperial stout and made it … transcendent. Just incredible all around.

This poured an inky black with thick, creamy cocoa-colored foam. It has that wonderfully glorious roasty aroma with cocoa nibs and dark coffee, and just a wisp of smoke. No noticeable booze.

The flavor is incredible, with dark chocolate and a roasty smoothness to it. There’s a hint of smoked malts on the finish, and a wonderful body that holds up as it warms and opens further, revealing layers of dark, worn leather and dried tobacco.

Smooth and slick, like Barry White’s voice, with a lingering finish like a sustained note held through the finish. Or something like that.

An all around exceptional brew. Bring it back, I want another glass for an encore.

Serving type: bottle

06-07-2012 00:46:40 | More by elNopalero

XicanoBeerRun

Texas

4.15/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

El Nopalero has cellared this since November 2011.

Poured into a snifter. Thick, hot cocoa-brown head. The foam looked like the bubbles in pancakes that are ready to be flipped.

Smells like candy and tootsie rolls.

Smokey finish (roasted meat, but in a good way), not too thick on the palate, smokey aftertaste lingers.

I was not expecting this to be so good.

I’ll have another.

Serving type: bottle

06-06-2012 17:15:23 | More by XicanoBeerRun

silentjay

Massachusetts

2.78/5  rDev -32.2%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

pitch black with a dark tan head made of big bubbles that lasts for a while and laces well.

bacon. damnit. burnt bacon. roasted malts, burnt coffee, and burnt pork. too much smoked, burnt meat.

again, burnt bacon with a melted plastic and slightly metallic flavor that is not very pleasant. a bit of cacao powder and coffee try to make it through, but don't quite pierce the smoke veil.

medium/full bodied with the perfect amount of carbonation, but a lingering smoked meat flavor that I do not enjoy.

well.... I can see why many Texans would like it, but for me.... It's just too smokey. too burnt meaty. too single-dimensional.

Serving type: bottle

05-03-2012 04:10:26 | More by silentjay

bonkers

New Jersey

4.05/5  rDev -1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Thanks to texasfan549 for this one, 2011 bottle. Pours jet black, thin tan head. Lots of coffee, chocolate, roasted notes. Taste like it smells, very well balanced. The beer is very viscous, smooth, abv not noticeable. A very good impy stout, lived up to my expectations.

Serving type: bottle

04-22-2012 23:10:17 | More by bonkers

harrymel

Washington

3.4/5  rDev -17.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Vint 2011
Dark black with a tall mocha head. Roasty, smoky nose with additional hints of leather and chocolate. There's a slight vinyl tone on the back of the nose. Flavor follows through with plenty of smoky, mesquite character and a little charcoal even. Hints of raisin and coffee (burnt coffee) as well as the leather. Medium on full bodied with moderate, fine carb. I'm glad to have tried this one, but I fear my aversion to smoke beers continues.

Serving type: bottle

04-13-2012 06:12:47 | More by harrymel

barleywinefiend

Washington

3.53/5  rDev -13.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A: Poured a nice black color with good carbonation leaving a nice tan head and some light lacing

S: Big smoke with some cocoa, roasted malt and a light booze sting

T: Immediate smokiness with blend of smoked meat, liquid smoke, light campfire and charred wood all rolled up into one. Cocoa, roasted malt and a light coffee note.

M: Big body, loads of taste but to smokey for me.

O: While it is a decent to good Imperial Stout the smokines and booze mix does not sit well with me

Serving type: bottle

04-03-2012 02:00:22 | More by barleywinefiend

Khazadum

Illinois

4.05/5  rDev -1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Like a rauchbier mixed with a ris.

Lightly charred oak, big pork without overwhelming. Light tobacco astringency.

Bright charred pork skin, bubblegum edges, sweet center, and burnt finish. Not my favorite combination of flavors... But hoo its potent.

Creamy medium bodied, tingly alcohol all over the tongue. Very sweet nature with it.

I'm not a big hater.... But supposedly who I drank this with... The beer made her "gay". Take this as you will.

Serving type: bottle

03-21-2012 03:29:49 | More by Khazadum

EgadBananas

Louisiana

3.73/5  rDev -9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours black, with a slight mocha head. Dissipates to a slight film. Aroma is roasted, with some chocolate notes, nuttiness. and a surprising about of smokiness. A nice amount of bacon in this. Unexpected, but nice. Taste is more chocolate and roasted notes. No real coffee or roasted smoky notes. It's still good though. Not quite full bodied, with a little bit of sharp carbonation, but it's still a damn decent feeling brew.

Serving type: bottle

03-18-2012 03:54:18 | More by EgadBananas

Soonami

Pennsylvania

3.95/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Courtesy of the Tx Gang Bang BIF Crew. This is a 2010 bottle

The beer is pitch black with a mocha colored head that is finely knit. The beer smeels of burnt sugar, charred oak and a smokehouse. The beer has great mouthfeel: soft and luscious. Slightly sweet, but lots of dark roast flavors, bitter chocolate, and smoky coffee. The aftertaste is long with some astrigency acrid roasted malt. Overall, a pretty good beer.

Serving type: bottle

02-18-2012 20:45:16 | More by Soonami

DarthKostrizer

California

3.73/5  rDev -9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Thanks to Mrvonzipper for sharing this one

Look: Black and opaque with a 1/4 inch tan head and ok retention

Smell: Smoked woood and chocolate

Taste: Smoked meats chocolate and coffee

Mouthfeel: Medium body and mild carbonation

Overall: This was not at all what I was expecting and was interesting to say the least. I guess I am glad I didnt trade for this one but I am also glad I got a chance to try it

Serving type: bottle

02-11-2012 07:26:04 | More by DarthKostrizer

Spider889

Ohio

3.4/5  rDev -17.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Shared by Urbancaver.

Pours black with moderate stout thickness. Has a short dark toffee colored head.

Smoke! Smoke! Fire? This is one smokey stout. Meaty - smoked venison and campfire cooking.

At first the smoke was interesting and actually rather tasty, but it quickly became detracting and palate-wreckingly strong.

Tastes much more balanced than it smells, but still the smoke imbues one with the urge to partake with extreme caution. Nice roastiness is going on and has a slight coffee flavor that would likely be delicious in the base (non-smoked beer). Dark chocolate rounds things out, though we lose any potential sweetness due to the smoke.

A fun beer to try.

Serving type: bottle

02-08-2012 08:53:10 | More by Spider889

rtaps

California

4.22/5  rDev +2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

pours black with a deep tan head with good retention, leaving very spotty lacing

smell smokey with a roasted chocolate.

a nice roasted chocolate with a smokey precence through out not overpowering but well noted

medium bodied,viscous and light-medium carbonation

over all i really enjoy the smokeyness in both the nose and the taste, its not overpowering but very noticeable

Serving type: bottle

02-01-2012 23:25:08 | More by rtaps

UCLABrewN84

California

4.4/5  rDev +7.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to MrVonzipper for sharing this one at his tasting!

Pours an opaque black with a dark khaki head that settles to an oily film on top of the beer. Small dots of lace form on the glass on the drink down. Smell is of dark malt, smoked malt, cocoa, coffee bean, and slight alcohol. Taste is of dark roasted malt, smoked malt, cocoa powder, and some slight coffee bean flavors. There is a nice roasty bitterness on the palate after each sip. This beer has a good carbonation level with a crisp mouthfeel. Overall, this is a very good stout with nice smoke and cocoa aromas and flavors.

Serving type: bottle

01-29-2012 22:26:23 | More by UCLABrewN84

doughanson78

Washington

3.78/5  rDev -7.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

22oz. bottle poured into a snifter. Huge thanks to bhollas for this major want.

A: Super thick black pour. A half finger dark mocha head that fades fast and leaves barely any lacing.

S: Big smoke and roast. Some deep dark chocolate. There is a slightly sweet aroma to it.

T: Dark chocolate upfront. The smokiness comes next and dominates the mouth. I have always associated the smokiness with hot dog flavor. Light coffee and a mild sweetness.

M: Thick and full bodied. Low carbonation. Pretty creamy.

O: It is a good beer, I just expected a lot more. Definitely the smokiest Imperial Stout I've had.

Serving type: bottle

01-20-2012 04:38:09 | More by doughanson78

aasher

Indiana

4.1/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I got this bottle about a month ago in a great box from BrewerB. Thanks for hitting this Want Brian!

It pours a full bodied, dark, dark brown in color that turns to black as it collects in the glass. It has a nice and creamy dark khaki head that dissipates to a soft lacing. The aromas consist of smooth chocolates, low bitterness, dark roasted malts, and light coffee. On the backend I even pick up some light bacon. All are well integrated and make for a really nice nose. The flavors are of cooking chocolate, light coffee, smoke, and bacon. I really like it. It drinks in between medium and full in body and the aftertaste leaves just the right amount of smoke. It drinks really nicely and for the abv. I am a fan of this one. It is a really nice beer. I'm glad I could finally try it.

Serving type: bottle

01-05-2012 01:55:48 | More by aasher

drabmuh

Maryland

4.08/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Thanks Huhzubendah for hooking me up with this want of mine. Served in a Stone IRS snifter.

Beer is black with a nice tan head that recedes immediately to this wispy constellation of small bubbles on the surface of the beer that fails to rally to make a decent lacing, strained under low carbonation.

This beer makes its point with the aroma, smokier than most imperial stouts out there, still sweet with a strong malt backbone.

Beer is medium in body, smokey but not dry which saves this beer for me. The smoke on the palate is ever present but still subtle some how. Easy drinking nice finish. I'd have more of this.

Serving type: bottle

12-22-2011 03:09:42 | More by drabmuh

brystmar

New York

3.93/5  rDev -4.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On draft at the brewpub. First time drinking Freetail!

Not too much head (probably due to the glass size), ok retention, decent lace. Nose isn't very strong but holds roasted malts, booze, and dark fruits.

Bitter dark chocolate dominates the taste. Roasty malts join the fray. Big, creamy body serves as the perfect medium for these flavors. Boozy warmth compliments a surprising hop backbone as it descends. Finishes dry and mildly bitter.

I grew up in San Antonio and am proud a brew this solid calls my birthplace home.

Serving type: on-tap

12-21-2011 00:57:56 | More by brystmar

yourefragile

District of Columbia

3.58/5  rDev -12.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

2011 bottle shared by Sgt. Geist.

Pours an opaque dark black with a light mocha head, no lacing. Smoky, roast malt aroma, mildly sweet and ashy. Medium thick, syrupy body with moderate carbonation and a dry, ash finish. Malty body, roast and caramel, with minimal fruit or hops. Meh?

Serving type: bottle

12-19-2011 01:51:01 | More by yourefragile

Thorpe429

Illinois

3.53/5  rDev -13.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Bottle courtesy of Huhzubendah. Served in an Allagash tulip. Ouch.

Pairs near black with a good lit mocha head. Light collar. The nose carries a heavy amount of chili and some roast. Light chocolate. Nothing too in depth in the flavor or aroma. Lots of chili. Probably too heavy. Medium body and a roasty finish. Boom.

Serving type: bottle

12-19-2011 00:12:45 | More by Thorpe429

northyorksammy

Ontario (Canada)

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

Very smooth drinker. Average mouthfeel but dangerous drinker. Great flavours cover the booziness. Brown coloured body with a creamy foam. Complex, with smoke the pleasant hook in the smell and in the taste, leaving a velvet chocolate finish. Great beer in a great style, this one is a meal in itself.

Serving type: bottle

12-13-2011 02:59:40 | More by northyorksammy