Ten FIDY - Oskar Blues Brewing Company

MrStark

North Carolina

4.78/5  rDev +9.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a can into a snifter glass.

Appearance is very dark black that poured out like a can of motor oil leaving a brown one finger head leaving a little sticky lacing around the edges.

Smell is is a wonderful aroma of roasted malts, coffee, and dark chocolate. Quite toasty and welcoming.

Taste is fantastic! A strong rich blend of coffee, dark chocolate, dark fruits all starting out sweet and ending with a nice bitter finish. All around rich and well blended!

Mouthfeel is thick, creamy, and as smooth as velvet.

Drinkability is fantastic! It goes down very smooth and is quite tasty. I'd want to say its a great session beer but the abv seams quite well hidden and could probably sneak up on you easy if you have a few. Overall its definitely one of the best examples of this style I've had and will always be welcome in my fridge!

Serving type: can

11-16-2009 02:30:57 | More by MrStark

ocelot2500

Arizona

4.78/5  rDev +9.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Pours a deep black that lets no light through with a small brown head that leaves plenty of lacing.

Smells of roasted malts, chocolate, coffee, and some dark fruits.

Tastes of the roasted malts with a hop twang to it. Definitely dominated by flavors of chocolate, coffee, a bit of dark fruits, and molasses. But there is a good dose of hops add a citrus zing as well as a pine background.

Mouthfeel is full and chewy with a creamy amount of carbonation.

Serving type: bottle

01-10-2010 04:24:04 | More by ocelot2500

jdg204

Pennsylvania

4.78/5  rDev +9.4%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

The good folks at Abe's Cold Beer in Bethlehem gave me the chance at some great brews recently and this was near the top of that list. I'd seen Ten Fidy around for a while, but had trouble wrapping my head around the price for a canned brew, but I finally broke down and got one.

A: Pitch black color that light wouldn't dare to penetrate with a perfect mocha colored head that left plenty of lacing.

S: Roasted malt, dark chocolate, and mocha blend into a wonderful aroma.

T: Starts with a beautfil roasted, mocha, dark chocolate flavor, well balanced and not giving too much to any. It was supported by a great hoppy bitterness which really complimented things well. The balance and easy drinking for a beer of this strength was extremely impressive.

M: Thick body with good carbonation, yet surprisingly easy to drink. A wonderful brew.

D: WOW, this blew the roof of my expecations, the hype is true! I was expecting a great brew, but the price for a canned beer threw me off a bit. I can now safely say there is no need to be afraid, great brews can come in cans!!!! This was one of my top brews of all time, an amazingly complex and serious yet smooth and easy drinking brew, a tour de force! Amongst RIS's, I rank this equal to Founders Impy as the best I've had and could not recommend it higher. Go out of your way to find a can of this bad boy and pop the top, you won't be disappointed.

Serving type: can

02-01-2010 23:59:40 | More by jdg204

EvilGnome6

Arizona

4.78/5  rDev +9.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a can into a Belgian tulip glass.

A: Pours a syrupy, oily jet black with a small tan head that settles into a small film after a few minutes. Very little carbonation; just enough to create a head when pouring. Leaves an oily film on the glass with delicate lacing.

S: Strong black coffee and dark chocolate. There's also a subtly sweet roasted scent that is quite pleasing. Maybe a touch of dark caramel.

T: Salty black licorice, dark chocolate and espresso. The flavor explodes like a biting into one of those liqueur soaked cherry chocolates. Has a touch of sweetness with just enough bitterness to keep if from being cloying. A small hint of vanilla bean in the finish.

M: Dense and creamy. The flavors cling to your mouth and lips and slowly fade. Goes down like a rich chocolate milkshake.

D: Very drinkable for its richness. No, this isn't something your could chug down or drink all day, but that isn't the point. It's a delicious and incredibly decadent treat that should be savored with every sip.

Overall: Incredibly good. Very accessible for such a rich flavor that belies its strong alcohol content. The only hint if its strength is how quickly your head will start spinning. I would definitely drink this again and would drink it regularly if it wasn't so darn expensive.

Serving type: can

05-25-2010 03:10:16 | More by EvilGnome6

WholeFoodsDerek

Florida

4.78/5  rDev +9.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

I am not pouring this in a glass. Rather, I am drinking it out of the can since it is one of the few beers I will drink in a can.

A - From what I can see, extremely dark black with a small brown head retention. Obviously pouring this in a glass would make a difference.

S - Lots of Caramel and toffee. Subtle chocolate.

T - Lots of smoke flavors. This could be quite hot on the palate depending on how experienced you are with Russian Imperial stouts (as in alcohol taste). Very Creamy and toasty. Obviously an abundance of malt. Sip and enjoy this winter time brew.

M - Thick with an oatmeal stout mouthfeel. I wouldn't be surprised if this were an imperial oatmeal stout. I hope Rasputin doesn't scoff at me.

D - Two pints is quite enough. Three or more is asking for a rather harsh morning, so you better have time to sleep in. This is a great beer regardless.

Overall, a great winter time Russian Imperial Stout. This is my go-to stout during the Winter when I am out and about. Dark Lord and Hunahpuhs are obviously Gods of the Stout Genre, but they are extremely limited, obviously. If it is November through February, chances are I am drinking Ten Fidy if I am drinking Stout.

Serving type: can

11-17-2010 04:45:51 | More by WholeFoodsDerek

JK4Stout

Virginia

4.78/5  rDev +9.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Poured into a regular pint glass. The deep dark color shows a love of quality malt that one comes to expect from OB. I have had this beer once or twice before, but I enjoy it so much that I have review it. This is one of those cold night brews. You know the one you can open while watching football as the snow is falling outside. The aftertaste lingers with you in a sweet chocolate notes. And the mouthfeel of this brew is honestly enough to win it all the awards it has garnered already. Don't try to have too many in one sitting, but it is very much worth a try.

Serving type: can

11-22-2010 00:26:35 | More by JK4Stout

Thingus

California

4.78/5  rDev +9.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

I generally pick these up in multiples since I know I won't drink just one!! Live tasting into tulip.

Appearance; aggressive pour yields one pinky of rich mahogany colored head that dissipates quickly with not a trace. "Dark as a steers tuchas on a moonlit night" a solid pitch black.

Smell; Im getting coffee and hints of chocolate as far as the smell... Mellow but I don't mind that.

Taste; Ten Fidy is a knockout in this department, mocha, coffee, the slightest touch of smoke and tobacco... A supremely mild bitterness on the finish that compliments the overall roastiness and coffee flavors...

Mouthfeel; is supremely viscous, but I don't think I'd call it syrupy as it doesn't taste sweet to me (syrupy and sweet go hand in hand IMO)... Definitely full bodied and easy to sink your teeth into... Coats the mouth, very, very smooth..

Overall; I think this is a phenomenal beer and I love how comparitvely easy it is to get this brew. It is consistently fantastic, and I could likely drink this every night without it becoming routine. Anyone who is a stout fan should at the very least try this, and I feel any stout fan should have several in their cellar at any given time!!

Serving type: can

12-23-2011 04:49:36 | More by Thingus

DanaBeerMaster

Kansas

4.78/5  rDev +9.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

The color is black when poured into the mug, and I mean black like the ace of spades.

There are many flavors I found present in this stout, chocolate, coffee, roasted malt, and some hints of licorice.

There is a small head of foam at first, but soon reduces to very rich dark brown bubbles, and when tasted very rich.

This stout by Oskar Blues has excellent mouth feel and the alcohol content lingers in the background. One of the finest stouts I have personally tasted.

Serving type: can

01-10-2012 16:48:41 | More by DanaBeerMaster

mooseo

Pennsylvania

4.78/5  rDev +9.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

12oz can into goblet.

A - Midnight black with a small film of dark mocha head. Love the thick, oil-like consistency.

S - Pleasing aroma of smoked malt, milk chocolate, burnt coffee, and caramel.

T - Taste is incredible. A complex blend of sweet milk chocolate, coffee, roasted grains, caramel, and bitter earthy hops. Perfectly balanced. Slight hints of smoked wood, dark fruit, and vanilla.

M - Super thick, full body. Creamy and smooth. Low carbonation, slight warming alcohol.

O - Quite simply one of the best imperial stouts on the market. Excellent flavor and mouthfeel. My favorite offering from Oskar Blues.

Serving type: can

07-27-2012 02:17:18 | More by mooseo

brureview

Massachusetts

4.78/5  rDev +9.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

First time trying this beer. Fortunately, I bought a few cans.

Served in a chalice. What a great beer!

The beer poured a very dark chocolate- dark coffee color. Less than a 1/2 finger head.

Aroma: toffee- caramel aroma- candy smell.

Mouth feel: light carbonation.

Finish: Chocolate Liqueur.

Bottling date: 10/31/11

A class act! This beer was difficult to find. Only one store in the area was stocking it.
Different than North Coast Old Rasputin- smoother, more balanced, and rich in liqueur- candy aroma and taste. Buy it!

Serving type: can

10-02-2012 00:58:08 | More by brureview

Sludgeman

District of Columbia

4.78/5  rDev +9.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Purchased at a local bottle shop for $16/4 x 12oz cans.

Poured into a room temp nonic.

A - A somewhat viscous black beer. Pours like chocolate milk. Head is a rich medium brown, almost like moose. 2 fingers high. Average lacing.

S - Roasted malt, chocolate, some hint of nuts, reminds me a little of a chocolate milkshake.

T - Dark chocolate. Roasted malt. Some hops. Ends with some slight bitterness of burnt/roasted malt and hops. Its taste easily hides the 10.5% ABV!

M - Smooth and silky, but not like a nitro-tapped Guiness. Chewy.

O - An excellent beer. Easy to drink. In my top ten. Will always be available in my house.

Serving type: can

01-04-2013 15:42:28 | More by Sludgeman

richj1970

Alabama

4.78/5  rDev +9.4%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Poured from 12 oz can into Stone Brewing pint glass.

A: Pitch black with brown creamy three finger head that seemed to last forever. Nice lacing.

S: Amazing. Dark chocolates, Expresso, maybe some dark fruits, roasted malts.

T: Creamy, following nose with chocolates and coffe notes. Big flavors that I enjoy with an imperial stout.

M: Full bodied. Thick but not overly so. Creamy and coats the palette nicely.

O: Easily one of the best stouts. One of my goto choices.

Serving type: can

01-08-2013 03:24:16 | More by richj1970

indiapaleale

Massachusetts

4.8/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Ten Fidy pours like motor oil and if it gets on your hands its like iodine. This stuff is strong and syrupy and inky black in color. The head is brown and thin like the top of hardcore espresso (when you can see the caffeine!). It smells heavenly, like rich, roasted coffee, dark malts and even a bit like burnt toast and teriyaki. It's a great fresh smell that I'm thinking is preserved extremely well by it being canned.

Ten Fidy goes down smooth. Way smoother than I was thinking it would. The rich malty taste is complex and the high alcohol content is extremely well hidden. I'm glad I'm home for the night since I am sure its going to hit me when I least expect it.

Serving type: can

03-19-2008 00:44:22 | More by indiapaleale

ghostwalker

Massachusetts

4.8/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Enjoyed and reviewed as part of cburian's RIS showdown. Thanks for the chance to try some great brews!

Darkest brown body. Totally impenetrable to light. Thick and oily.

Rich, bitter dark fruit nose.

Tart, dark fruitiness. Intense pucker factor, hops anyone?

Thick, coating, extra oilyness. Chewy!

An adventure to enjoy. Intense and complex.

Serving type: can

07-04-2008 00:26:14 | More by ghostwalker

JMBSH

Colorado

4.8/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

A - Black doesn't even seem to fully describe how dark this beer looks. Has a nice light brown head. Even held against a strong direct light, all I see is black. As I drank a complete covering of lace is left on the glass surrounding the black gold. I like it!

S - Faintly of dark chocolate. Almost like baker's chocolate (cocoa). Also reminds me of some dark coffee roasts.

T - Very chocolate in taste. A bit of a hop bite in the aftertaste but it seems hidden a bit from the smooth creamy body. I know the alcohol (10.50 hense 10 FIDY) is up there but I really can't detect it. The dark roasted malts are smoothed with the use of flaked oats.

M - Smooth, rich, but mostly THICK. The beer's website says it is 98 IBUs. I am still learning but I checked Wikipedia about IBUs and it said 100 was the top. I would never have guessed this beer was that hopped.

D - Dangerously deceitful. I could have more then one without thinking. I know that the alcohol would sooner or later rear it's ugly head on me but this was great.

A couple extra notes. Open the can carefully. I write this review as it is the last of the 4 pack I bought to drink right away. Each can, no matter how slow and careful I was, was so full that I always got some on my hand. They filled these babies to the top and then some. Also, since they are in cans, I will start cellaring them to see what happens after aging them a bit. A can is totally air tight and no chance of light so... we will see.

Serving type: can

09-17-2008 02:32:41 | More by JMBSH

jwhancher

Pennsylvania

4.8/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

This beer is just plain awesome. After hearing about it for quite awhile now, I was in Denver and had a chance to pick up a four-pack.

A: Pours jet black, almost like motor oil. It's so dark that you can barely see any carbonation bubbles, but upon a closer look you can just see them lazily floating to the top. Beautiful tan-brown head.

S: The chocolate & dark malts really come alive and tease your nostrils. Hop notes present, but more or less covered by the thick malt aroma. Love the smell.

T: Syrupy chocolate taste, yet it doesn't taste overly sweet. It's got a nice even bodied taste.

M: It's a pleasure to drink. This is really one to savor with the high alcohol notes and great stout taste. This one's perfect for the cold winter nights.

D: This is the only category I can't really give this beer a "5", but only because it's a tough one to drink a lot of (and find!). With the high ABV and the great stout taste, I found myself wanting to switch over to another beer after this one just to ration out the remaining beers in the pack and so I can spread out the great taste & appreciation for a longer time. If this beer was more readily available, I'd rate it higher. However, I even visited the original Oskar Blues Grill & Brew in Lyons and was somewhat dismayed that they didn't serve or sell this beer on the premises. Not sure if I'll be able to find this in Philly so I'll make the most of what I have left.

If you find this beer: don't walk, RUN to check it out!!! You won't be dismayed.

Serving type: can

01-29-2010 22:42:45 | More by jwhancher

Arenbeer

Connecticut

4.8/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

12oz can into a snifter glass.

A- Pours out of the can like motor oil. There's no chance of light penitrating this brew. Sitting on top of this glorious body is a thin 2 finger dark brown head that doesn't stick around too long and leaves a little lacing on the way down.

S- Smells of roasted malts with a good mix of chocolate and maybe some slight coffee in there. Also getting some sweet dark fruits.

T- Roasted malts with some coffee and definitely a solid dominating bitter sweet dark chocolate backround. Slight alcohol sting in the finish but not bad at all. Actually adds to the overall feel of the brew. Gradually gets stronger as it warms.

M- Wow. It's hard to find a beer that actually tastes full bodied to me and I have to say this is it. People always tell me a beer's to heavy or thick but I never got what they were talking about until now. Thick and syrupy full body with low carbonation and very little bitterness. But I gotta say despite the heavy mouthfeel, it's no where near heavy on the stomach. IMO it's making this brew insanely drinkable and smooth.

Overall I am really impressed with this beer. Everything about it is making me want some more. Great job Oskar Blue's. Great Job. Another must try Russian Imperial Stout, no doubt!

SkÅL!

Serving type: bottle

03-15-2010 03:50:41 | More by Arenbeer

Perkyanda

Massachusetts

4.8/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Gorgeous black opaque with a creamy tan head, all foamy and small.

Smell is of olive and beef jerky and rich malts. Wow, my mouth is watering already. I'm sooo excited for tasting this. Other smells? It has a richness and a metallic tang.

Taste is potent and meaty, with a metal bite and metal afterbite. A bit of a bitter kick to the end. It has some sourness that twists up my mouth, and it's super tasty. The middle flavor is dark chocolate and sour cherry, just enough to add a lot of interest and satisfaction without turning into a strictly chocolate beer.

I love this mouthfeel. It's rich, thick, with a tongue coating weight and just... it's like whole milk, or that superfood green juice. Like the they feel in my mouth, except this has carbonation. I love thick beverages, and this does the job well. The mouthfeel is incredibly satisfying.

This is so incredibly drinkable. But it's also 9.5% ABV. And it's expensive. So, sadly, this is not a beer I can drink a lot of, though I do think it's worth it's price. Instead, it's a good start to the night. Mmmm. Mmmm. My mouth is SO HAPPY.

Serving type: can

03-27-2010 02:00:49 | More by Perkyanda

SQUIDPORT

California

4.8/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

I've heard about Ten Fidy but just got around to trying it. I don't think I would've been ready for it had I tried it a year ago.

A: Tried it out of a tulip glass, pours pretty much black with red outline. Really thick like syrup, barely any head.

S: I picked up a sweet & malty scent with a hint of cocoa.

T: Slight everything good, such as chocolate, coffee, caramel & licorice.

M: A bitter sweet symphony in my mouth. As close to perfection as it gets.

D: So far it's the best beer I've ever had, drink one but prepare yourself for it. If you don't like it, it may just be too much for you.

Serving type: can

03-01-2011 01:24:39 | More by SQUIDPORT

TheBoog013

California

4.8/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Poured from a can

A- Poured into a tulip, the heads forms into a moist, chocolaty foam and actually looks both delicious and menacing! The body is jet black. Very interesting.

S- The smell is light chocolate, earthy, molasses and some kind of dark berry. Black berry? Way more subtle than you'd expect from the appearance of this beer. The faint aroma doesn't match the bold visual at all. This beer is shifty.

T- Boom! The rope a dope method is in full effect! Faint, delicate aroma give way to strong molasses, coffee, semi-sweet chocolate and brown sugar. The alcohol comes out throughout and is alarmingly strong but adds to the flavor experience without taking over.

M- Syrupy and heavy with a formidable chew.

D- This beer is dangerous. Between the delicate aromas, powerful flavor and high alcohol content you'd think this would be a slow sipper to appreciate and move on but then POW! You've had 3 or 4 and you're face is numb. I'm fairly certain that feisty stout is about as much fun in a can as you can have.

Serving type: can

03-03-2011 04:13:09 | More by TheBoog013

StArnoldFan

Texas

4.8/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75

Can dated 9/24/12

Pours out so black and thick that it literally looks like used oil. Soft pour in the center of my glass leaves a half finger dark brown mocha head that doesn't stick around long. Smells like a typical imperial stout, dark malts come through most. Slight alcohol burn on the tongue but its nice. I don't see much difference in this can with 7 months on it than fresh which I had many times. Overall this is my go to Imperial Stout, to me it doesn't get much better than this for the style.

Serving type: can

02-03-2013 01:30:46 | More by StArnoldFan

Homebrew35

Connecticut

4.8/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Canned 10/7/10
Pours with no head, black black body, brown bubbles on top. Thick brown legs coat the glass when swirled. Very unique looking and enticing.

Smells very complex throughout the pour. Lots of roast, coffee, chocolate and coffee. This is awesome, the smells evolve throughout the pour as i said above. Some Carmel, toffee and sweet malts.

Tastes like a big Russian imperial stout. Lots of roast and coffee. A mix of Carmel, toffee and Carmel sweep in mid palate. A good dose of earthy hops and roasty bitterness on the finish.

Medium full bodied, low carbonation. Very oily and coating.

Overall this is very good. I'd love to try a barrel aged version of this if it exists. Full flavored, complex and very drinkable. Alcohol is well hidden. I'd pay the $4.25 again for the can the next time i see it. I did age this one quite a while and will have to see it it was worth it to age it, by trying a younger one soon.

Serving type: can

06-24-2012 19:03:15 | More by Homebrew35

ScottR

Ohio

4.8/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Oh my yes yes heaven rapture holy blessed joy oh God oh God yes yes die happy now.

Okay, let me see if I can be at least a little more articulate.

Served: poured from a can into a snifter.

A: 10WD40, heavily used. I held it up to a bright reading lamp and not a speck of light showed through it. With a sufficiently aggressive pour, you can get a finger or so of caramel-colored head.

S: Surprisingly, not much. Hint of dark chocolate.

T: See my opening statement. More prosaically: creamy, with suggestions of chocolate, caramel, toffee, coffee, and being enfolded in the arms of a loving God. Slight bite of alcohol at the end, but surprisingly little in view of the 10.5% ABV.

M: Thick, heavy, dense, without quite being "chewy." Again, 10WD40.

O: Ambrosia. The nectar of the gods. What Prometheus should have brought us instead of fire.

Very possibly the best beer I've ever had. Ignore my insane ramblings and just try it if you ever get a chance. You'll never be the same if you don't.

Serving type: can

10-25-2012 01:27:21 | More by ScottR

Mertzy81

Maryland

4.8/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

Purchased at a local bottle shop for $16/4 x 12oz cans.

Poured into a room temp nonic.

A - A somewhat viscous black beer. Pours like chocolate milk. Head is a rich medium brown, almost like moose. 2 fingers high. Average lacing.

S - Roasted malt, chocolate, some hint of nuts, reminds me a little of a chocolate milkshake.

T - Dark chocolate. Roasted malt. Some hops. Ends with some slight bitterness of burnt/roasted malt and hops. Its taste easily hides the 10.5% ABV!

M - Smooth and silky, but not like a nitro-tapped Guiness. Chewy.

O - An excellent beer. Easy to drink. In my top ten. Will always be available in my house.

Serving type: can

03-01-2013 08:42:42 | More by Mertzy81

BillyB

New Jersey

4.83/5  rDev +10.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I can't think of a better way to sample a beer than hanging out at the GABF and chatting with the brewer while I drink.
This beer pours a jet black color with almost no head.
Deep rich aromas of coffee, chocolate , deep roasted malt and a hint of oakey/wood flavor.
Tastes of mollasses,chocolate and sweet roasted malt with a strong alcohol presence dominate.
Full bodied, rich mouthfeel.
The aromas and flavors this beer has from a can are just phenomenal.

Serving type: can

12-02-2007 21:46:37 | More by BillyB