Tunguska - The Brew Kettle Taproom & Smokehouse / Production Works

Brenden

Ohio

3.98/5  rDev -2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Not quite black as oil, but it does in fact look more like motor oil than it would if it was black, pouring a thick, viscous dark brown. A tan head forms and, while a bit on the wispier side, maintains what it's got (about 1/2 to 3/4 of a finger) for the entirety. Lacing is a bit leggy with some spotting as well.
The bigness of this beer pours out of the bottle as soon as it's opened. This is definitely a strong beer worthy of a beer geek's expectation of an RIS, as the roast is prominent but doesn't dominate so much that plenty of other aromas and flavors don't come out with it. There's a big complementary note of plum and perhaps raspberries along with a toffee and caramel sweetness, but far from cloying or overly sweet as bitterness from char stays alongside it. Some baker's chocolate and the impression of coffee. Stick with it and some anise-like notes, not as evident as in a proper doppelbock, do make an impression.
The feel is right, big (make that huge), inky, thick and viscous without being any more cloying than the flavor on the tongue. This is a big-bodied beer, as it ought to be, though there's enough smoothness and liveliness to make it good without crossing to special.

Serving type: bottle

01-07-2013 11:48:28 | More by Brenden

vande

Illinois

4.25/5  rDev +4.7%

06-06-2013 23:31:05 | More by vande

mjw1200

Ohio

4/5  rDev -1.5%

04-06-2013 13:52:53 | More by mjw1200

akttr

Michigan

4/5  rDev -1.5%

03-23-2013 05:10:59 | More by akttr

jsurfs82

Ohio

3.5/5  rDev -13.8%

03-17-2013 17:26:31 | More by jsurfs82

sixerofelixir

Ohio

4.5/5  rDev +10.8%

02-27-2013 19:18:53 | More by sixerofelixir

Stinger80OH

Ohio

4/5  rDev -1.5%

02-18-2013 11:46:48 | More by Stinger80OH

SerialHiker

Illinois

3.58/5  rDev -11.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Appearance: Black as oil as promised…a dark khaki head that settles in about a finger width thickness…(4/5)

Smell: Strong chocolate notes blended with oatmeal and malt…chocolate is dominate throughout…really not overly eventful unless you like huffing coco essence…(3.25/5)

Taste: Coffee and chocolate flavors explode as soon as they hit my tongue…oatmeal malt and hops are the underbelly as expected…robust all around leaving very little room for bitterness…apparent it’s a higher alcohol content beer…(3.5/5)

Mouthfeel: Fluffs right up, creating a milk chocolate clouds that lingers…oatmeal and malt flavors consume back of my tongue…one drink lasts a while, but it’s hard to cover the alcohol taste…(4/5)

Overall: The flavor is fantastic, chocolate and coffee notes blend fantastically with the malt and hops…the carbonation makes a cotton candy like fluff that is very flavorful…I recognize that it’s an imperial stout, but the alcohol is a bit too dominant…it could be toned down a bit and that would create a more balanced, flavorful beer…(3.75/5)

Serving type: bottle

01-15-2013 04:34:18 | More by SerialHiker

prototypic

Ohio

4.21/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

Tunguska pours a very dark chocolate fudge color. It’s not quite “black as oil,” but it is dark. A bit of light does cut through and reveals some burgundy highlights at the edges. Nevertheless, it is a nice color. A soft tan head tops it. It rises to about a finger and a half in height before falling back. Lacing was a little sticky, but on the lighter side.

The nose is a little light on aromatics, but it does smell good. It starts out with a nice mix of roasted and chocolate malts. They seem to be present in roughly equal proportions. Roasted coffee follows. It smells relatively strong and blends well with the malt base. There is a bit of dark fruit, but it smells secondary. I’m getting some plum or raisin. It’s a nice touch and adds some quality depth. Alcohol is there, but really doesn’t smell all that strong. Not 10.8% territory anyway.

The flavor is pretty impressive. The malt base is a blend of roasted and chocolate varieties. The roasted flavor comes through nice and strong. Bittersweet dark chocolate complements it well and tastes really nice. Roasted coffee is nice and strong. As a coffee fan, that works well for me. It blends well with the malt base and adds a lot to the overall flavor. Dark fruit flavors of plum and raisin emerge late. They’re secondary, but definitely add something positive. Alcohol is there, but surprisingly, isn’t warm or hot. Finishes roasty and chocolaty.

Tunguska has a heavier body. It’s definitely viscous. Carbonation is light and soft. It’s very silky and smooth. For such a big beer, it’s very drinkable. I anticipated much more trouble with this bomber.

Tunguska is an impressive release from The Brew Kettle. It’s a nice American/Double Stout that’s relatively complex and very tasty. It’s deceptive for such a big beer though. It drinks far smaller than its 10.8% abv. Very good stuff. Easy recommendation.

Serving type: bottle

01-13-2013 04:02:46 | More by prototypic

TMoney2591

Illinois

3.38/5  rDev -16.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Served in a Tighthead Oktoberfest shaker pint glass.

Thanks to johnyb for this bottle!

Nothing like contemplating a century-old explosion in Russia than a stout and Dodgeball on the tube. Right? Anyway, this stuff pours a bleak black-brown topped by a finger of khaki-tan foam. The nose is pretty meek and one-sided, comprising only some light roasted malts, straight outta the bag from the homebrew store. The taste holds notes of burnt malts, light vinyl, and some bitter dark greens. However negative those words sound, things come across well as a hoppy stout. The body is a light medium, with a light moderate carbonation and a fluid feel. Overall, despite a weak, barely-descript smell and an overly-thin body, this was a generally enjoyable drinking experience.

Serving type: bottle

12-31-2012 18:16:37 | More by TMoney2591

warnerry

Michigan

4.23/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bottle purchased 7/2011

A - Pours black with half a finger of tan head. Head has decent retention. No real lacing to speak of, but normal for the abv.

S - Huge chocolate aroma to start off the aroma, with some dark fruits, roasted malt and faint coffee. Aroma has some sweetness to it, but it isn't overwhelming. Nice.

T - Similar to aroma, chocolate is really the star here, mostly dark chocolate with a bit of sweet chocolate. The roasted malt brings a nice balancing bitterness to the taste, which is slightly sweet overall. Some nice dark dried fruit flavors.

M - Full mouthfeel that is initially sticky/sweet, but has enough bitterness later to prevent the sweetness from becoming too much.

O - This is a very tasty imperial stout, and a good value at $5.99 a bomber. A little too sweet to be superb, but definitely something I would have again.

Serving type: bottle

10-20-2012 01:56:45 | More by warnerry

brealbg

Ohio

4.25/5  rDev +4.7%

10-12-2012 20:25:28 | More by brealbg

Auror

Massachusetts

3.75/5  rDev -7.6%

08-29-2012 03:57:03 | More by Auror

jaasen64

Massachusetts

4.05/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

22oz bottle thanks to DonFrap for bringing this one to the tasting this week. Poured into Founders snifter. Bottle split 3-ways.

A- Pours a very dark brown pretty much black, slightly translucent around the sides, but not dark as oil as the description on the bottle says. Not too much carbonation. Pours with about a finger of mocha brown head that fairly quickly recedes. Decent spotted lacing that has good retention.

S- Coffee, dark chocolate, some lightly roasted malts. About average aroma strength.

T- Smooth dark chocolate, some coffee, a tiny bit of vanilla and some very light roasted malts in the background. A tiny bit of booze but very well hidden.

M- Smooth, creamy, abv very well hidden for 10.8%, goes down easily, very nice for this high abv.

O- I didn't know too much about this brewery before trying it, but I was very impressed. Definitely not the best stout we had during our mini-stout tasting that we had tonight, but definitely compares to the others. Very well done, very smooth for the abv, and a nice overall pleasant flavor. I would definitely drink this one again.

Serving type: bottle

08-23-2012 01:21:48 | More by jaasen64

DaveHack

Pennsylvania

3.5/5  rDev -13.8%

08-18-2012 12:30:04 | More by DaveHack

stakem

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bomber split into a pair of snifters. The brew pours black wth a finger of mocha colored head. It displays decent powers of retention. Some brown clarity is noted around the edges. Spotty fingers of lace stick to the glass.

The aromatics smell full of oats with a grainy freshness with mild roast and chocolate character. A hint of raisins and light anise blends into more roasty quality with charcoal.

The taste is bitter and char-like with plenty of dark roasted grain flavoring. Mild black licorice, freah oats and molasses. As it warms up, lots of chocolate and minor coffee tinged emerge with some dark alcohol hints.

This is a medium to full bodied brew with a modest level of carbonation. A nice beer overall that was well balanced and enjoyable with the alcohol inclusion being well masked. This brew shares remarkable similarities to hoppin frog's boris.

Serving type: bottle

08-01-2012 14:28:49 | More by stakem

mater

Ohio

4.5/5  rDev +10.8%

06-30-2012 13:02:14 | More by mater

david131

Michigan

4.5/5  rDev +10.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A- Pours a pitch black, oily liquid with a light mocha head that settles to a thin covering.

S- Smoky coffee, dark chocolate, dark fruits, and alcohol. Complex and really intriguing.

T- Same as the aroma but with just a bit of a metallic aspect. Despite of that, it is really tasty and well made. It is a bit old school- in a good way. The more I get into it, the more it reminds me of a blend between a fresh Stone IRS and a FFF DL.

M- Oily but maybe a bit thin. The carbonation is spot on and the alcohol is a bit warm. Just right.

O- A very well made beer. A bit of a supper, which is expected for the style. Highly recommend.

Serving type: bottle

06-24-2012 01:41:04 | More by david131

BeerBuckeye

Ohio

3.9/5  rDev -3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

A- Pours a very dark brown--not quite black...very little off whitish head.

S- Good amount of dark fruits, some chocolate and coffee.

T- all of it follows through well in the taste. Still sweet from the fruits, but bitter coffee and chocolate also present. Solid taste.

M- Its a tad thin. The taste is robust, a little boost, but blends well

Overall- A solid brew. Its not magnificent, but a fine heed by the folks at Brew Kettle.

Serving type: bottle

06-23-2012 23:22:45 | More by BeerBuckeye

bmoney

Ohio

4/5  rDev -1.5%

06-23-2012 00:10:44 | More by bmoney

uziangis

Ohio

4/5  rDev -1.5%

05-31-2012 17:45:32 | More by uziangis

whartontallboy

New York

4.25/5  rDev +4.7%

04-07-2012 00:13:13 | More by whartontallboy

liamt07

Ontario (Canada)

4.05/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Bottle shared by Sammy, 22oz into a tulip. 60 IBUs.

Black in colour, light tan head that appears quite dense. Sticky lacing and good retention. Nose has some light roast, smoke, gentle fruitiness, licorice and prominent chocolate notes. Taste has more roast, dark fruits, a bit of brown sugar, less licorice. Hopping is evident, and imparts a moderate amount of bitterness. Big body, but the booze is hidden well. A tasty imperial stout and one of the standouts of the evening.

Serving type: bottle

02-28-2012 04:06:09 | More by liamt07

cwguy5

North Carolina

4.05/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

reviewed from notes taken on 9.16.11. thanks to Bogforce for this one!

A - pitch black with thin, light brown head that faded to a wisp rather quickly; this one looks pretty serious

S - chocolate, roasted malt, and coffee

T - follows nose with strong roasty, coffee, and chocolate notes with some dark fruit as well (the label suggests just so and it seems pretty accurate); alcohol is hidden pretty well just some warming toward end

M - nice, active carbonation on a thick, stout body; light, bitter aftertaste

O - for a big stout this is very drinkable as a sipper; striking and bold flavors and a heavy body; would recommend and would try again for sure

Serving type: bottle

02-26-2012 07:50:27 | More by cwguy5

northyorksammy

Ontario (Canada)

3.53/5  rDev -13.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

complex, a reddish brown appearance and lacy. Big bitter. Coconut from the barrel,. An IPA 60 level of hoppiness. Interesting characteristics that do not come together to offer good drinkability. Bourbon does not pull it together. Good roasty aroma. A little disappointed.

Serving type: bottle

02-26-2012 06:02:27 | More by northyorksammy