Kuhnhenn Imperial Crème Brûlée Java Stout - Kuhnhenn Brewing Company

FrognutUnl

Michigan

4.1/5  rDev +2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Deep cola in color with a thin, almost non-existent, tan head.

S - The nose is very rich with coffee and chocolate. The aroma reminds me of fudge brownies, maraschino cherries, whip cream, vanilla and steaming cup of espresso all poured into a gigantic snifter.

T - Wonderful coffee, roasted malts, and chocolate flavors mingle well together, though it does not have the complexity of the nose. This is no where near as sweet as the regular version.

M - Full bodied despite the low level of carbonation present. Finish is quite dry in comparison to the regular version

D - The intense coffee and chocolate flavors make this a fantastic beer. I wish some of the complexities of the nose would have come through in the taste. A little more sweetness would have helped to make this a bit more "crème brulee"-ish.

Serving type: bottle

01-04-2010 04:25:30 | More by FrognutUnl

alcstradamus

Illinois

4.2/5  rDev +4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

The non-imperial version of this was definitely one of the highlights of the 2009 Great Taste of the Midwest in my opinion. In fact, I enjoyed it more than both Canadian Breakfast Stout and Oak Aged Dark Lord. Hopefully the imperial version can stack up. Here we go....

Pours black with a small half finger of head that dies quickly. A quick swirl causes a collar to rise, but it dies out quickly.

The smell is incredibly complex for a coffee stout. First off, there is the freshly roasted gourmet coffee aroma that is wonderful. Underneath sits a bet of whipped cream that smells like I just shoved a Reddi-Whip can up my nose and pulled the trigger. Definitely some cinnamon spice, marshmallow, luscious milk chocolate, and graham cracker. Honestly, this makes every other coffee based beer smell like a plain old cup of Folgers. Stunning.

The taste is not quite as amazing but is still quite good. The way I described the regular version of this is "like washing down a chewy brownie with a cup of gourmet coffee." The word on the street was that this one wasn't as sweet, and it is not. And I have to say it is not an improvement. I enjoyed the sweet fudge...this one is a bit more like a mellow cup of coffee with cinnamon sugar. Still tasty, but emptier than I had hoped for. A solid coffee beer.

Mouthfeel is medium bodied with low carbonation. This one could use a little more body, but is actually saved by the low carb because the flavors are able to marinate on the tongue for a bit.

Not sure what the ABV is on this, but I would be surprised if it was higher than 8%. Drinks very well, definitely sessionable. Honestly, I much preferred the version I had at the GTOM and really wish I could do a side by side right now to see if I am just remembering wrong. Nonetheless, this is a mighty fine beer.

Serving type: bottle

12-28-2009 05:20:44 | More by alcstradamus

MasterSki

Illinois

4.45/5  rDev +11%
look: 3.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Picked up a bottle at the recent Kuhnhenn Winter Solstice party. Served in a snifter.

A - Pours with a half-finger of tan foam that dissipates quickly to a ring and a bit of light haze - minimal lacing. Pitch black body, with only the tiniest hint of brown at the bottom of the glass.

S - Crème brûlée! Coffee (with cream)! Roasted malt, light brandy, maraschino cherry. Definitely not as saccharine and diabetic as the Southern Tier version - the coffee helps balance things out. It's just terrific - wonderful balance, and reference quality for this type of stout.

T - The taste is more of a 4.25, but since I was hard on the appearance I figured I'd round up. It's a little more roasty and dry, with less overt sweetness. The coffee starts to take center stage, with a bit of dark chocolate also creeping in. The aftertaste is bitter, and mounts throughout the serving.

M - Smooth, medium-thick body, with low carbonation. Surprisingly dry finish, with only slight residual stickiness.

D - A 12oz bottle is probably the appropriate serving size. It's very far into dessert beer territory. However, the well-hidden booze, moderate bitterness, and delightful flavor make it a well-enjoyed serving. It also helps that I don't feel like my heart is racing and that I have to amputate my leg afterward. Highly recommended!

Serving type: bottle

12-25-2009 01:58:57 | More by MasterSki