Ten FIDY - Oskar Blues Brewing Company

DenverHopHead

Colorado

4.44/5  rDev +1.6%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

Tried Fidy for the first time fresh at Oskar Blues on a snowy Colorado afternoon. This was almost perfect!
Had it again in March after a day of Spring skiing in Steamboat Springs and it was almost as good as getting it right from OB!
To date this is my favorite Imperial Stout and my beer of choice now from late Fall through ski season! I look forward to having this again next Fall!

Serving type: on-tap

05-03-2013 13:41:20 | More by DenverHopHead

Kerrie

Michigan

4.94/5  rDev +13%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Had this on tap at the Berkley Front. As far as I know, this isn't distributed in MI, but the last reviewer is also from MI, and I saw an IPA from the same brewery at my bottle shop today. Are they finally branching out here? Let's hope!

A- Typical stout. Pitch black, tan head, and I actually did have some lacing. Near perfect for me.

S- Chocolate and licorice, like most imperial stouts.

T- So, so good. I don't know how to describe it other than "smooth." For a beer that's 10.5 percent, it certainly didn't taste like it. I pretty much guzzled it down, and my bf still had half of his 5% drink when I was done. It was like liquid candy. Not too bitter, but not too sweet, either.

M- Not too thin or thick. I'd call it a perfectly balanced stout.

Overall, I loved it. I really hope that they're starting to distribute here in MI. The price tag is the only bad thing about it, but I would certainly splurge every now and then.

Serving type: on-tap

03-30-2013 04:11:30 | More by Kerrie

ckollias

Maryland

4.36/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Enjoyed this beer on tap at Old Line Bistro in Greenbelt, MD out of an 8 oz pint glass.

A: Pours a dark black hue with a tan 1-finger head that quickly dissipates into a thin lace that disappears rather quickly

S: Great dark fruity aroma with hints of chocolate malt and caramel on the nose.

T: Chocolate malts, coffee, and deep dark fruits flavors make up this complex offering.

M: Heavy body and medium carbonation.

O: Wow – excellent imperial stout. Great flavors and aromas.

Serving type: on-tap

01-13-2013 21:05:10 | More by ckollias

joshbrink

Alabama

4.9/5  rDev +12.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

On tap at Bloodhound in Auburn, AL. Good find.

A: Extremely dark. Larger head that remains for a while. Begs for a sip.

S: Inviting. Expresso, dark chocolates, some coffee, maybe a fruity sweetness to it.

T: Tastes like you would think from the nose. Roasted malts, dark chocolates. Hops are present but by no means overpowering. Some bit of fruity sweetness.

M: Extremely smooth, like silk. Thick.

O: Exceptional beer. Quickly became one of my favorite stouts.

Serving type: on-tap

01-10-2013 21:04:14 | More by joshbrink

devlishdamsel

Washington

4.68/5  rDev +7.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

I tried this for the first time last night. It was nothing short of amazing. It had an amazing texture, very smooth and velvety, without being overly viscous. The flavor was intense, without being overly rich. That being said I tend to avoid stouts due to the aftermath, but please give me more!

Serving type: on-tap

12-30-2012 19:43:30 | More by devlishdamsel

Philousa

California

4.48/5  rDev +2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Imbibed on tap at Original Gravity on 12/14/12.

This is seriously black in color with a wispy dark tan head. Aroma is roasty. Lots of sweet chocolate, somewhat creamy, milky. No presence of alcohol burn. Taste is just as roasty as the aroma. Like burnt chocolate underneath milk chocolate. I get a little alcohol presence, a bit harsh before fading quickly. Some burnt toast follows with dark chocolate. This thing is seriously chocolatey. There is just enough hops to bitter out the dark chocolate: they work in tandem. Great finish, slightly dry. No wonder this is so highly rated. I only hope the carbonation is similar out of a can.

Serving type: on-tap

12-28-2012 02:07:06 | More by Philousa

Nigel

California

4.4/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A: black as it should be. Good lacing. Nice carbonation. I'm in.

S: coffee some chocolate, bbooze, raisins or dates. I'm in.

T: Oh ya. More dried fruit then the nose, a little chocolate, malt, perfect amount of booze, dry finish. Smooth. B e utiful

M: chewy. Perfect or as close to perfect as I can remember.

O: the taste and mouthfeel are what set it apart. Amazing. I have the bad habit of drinking delicious big beers, like this one, way too fast. Goodgoddamn that's a winner.

Serving type: on-tap

12-10-2012 03:18:15 | More by Nigel

williamjbauer

West Virginia

4.43/5  rDev +1.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Served on tap at the brewery in Lyons, have had this since canned as well

A - Jet black oil slick with a 3 finger tan fluffy head with excellent retention and sticky lacing. Like a sexy simple black dress, this beer is working the glass.

S - Extremely pungent rich dark chocolate notes with espresso coffee notes you'd except in a RIS and a healthy dose of booze, sweet vanilla and caramel mingle with the aforementioned notes.

T - Yum, the chocolate is bittersweet and wholesome and fills the palate right before coffee notes and a bit of vanilla, malt, oak, smoke and a touch of earthy bitter notes touch the tongue and diminish as warming booze replenishes the soul. This beer is too complex, is too aromatic and pretty to drink from the can.

M - Full bodied, moderate-high carbonation, slick, oily, thick mouth feel with appropriately loud warming booze.

O - My favorite canned RIS, equally excellent on tap and among the best showing from Oskar Blues. This is one hearty beer with complex chocolate flavor and great balance.

Serving type: on-tap

11-25-2012 18:20:15 | More by williamjbauer

AdamHart22

Massachusetts

4.43/5  rDev +1.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Had on tap at Armsby Abbey in Worcester, MA.

A - an excellent inky black with a small dark tan head that quickly vanishes. Lacing is minimal.

S - nothing too special here. The weakest part of the beer. There is a hint Oof soy and some alcohol present.

T - Sublime. Some great roasted notes, hints of soy, dark chocolate, and oil. Just awesome if you like stouts with depth.

M - thick and chewy. Perfect for this style of beer. Coats the mouth but in a pleasant way.

O - A great beer. This is the first stout that I really get the soy sauce taste. It is unique and very pleasant. Highly recommended.

Serving type: on-tap

11-23-2012 02:32:39 | More by AdamHart22

chrisrose30

California

5/5  rDev +14.4%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

This was poured on tap at TAPS in Petaluma, CA. Dark tan head with thick lacing that stuck on the glass. My first impression of this beer upon smelling it was molasses, coffee, chocolate, and everything black with a rich overall smell and subdued alcohol. The thing I really liked upon tasting this beer was the complexity - very chocolatey and thick, charcoal, molasses - and it subdued the alcohol well. This is, in my opinion, one of the finest imperial stouts out there.

Serving type: on-tap

07-31-2012 18:19:09 | More by chrisrose30

julian89

Georgia

4.2/5  rDev -3.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

I had this beer at Brick store pub in Decatur, GA.
They're have a series of rare barrel age brews that they receive with collaboration and due to the fact that Brick Store is a world renowned pub.

A 2010 Barrel aged Ten Fidy from tap to Tulip glass.

Appearance: Pours a thick, pitch black body with a great creamy, brownish head. Beautiful Stout.

Smell: Dark malty smell with espresso, chocolate throughout. The ABV is masked well and the aging makes the smokiness very subtle.

Taste: Oh so smooth, the flavors have mixed and become less pungent with age which make it so drinkable for a RIS. I can't stress how smooth this is. 2 years has done good to this beer.

Mouthfeel: Very full, very creamy, very rich.

Drinkability: A very smooth, very tasty, RIS. Good job on the aging Brick Store, good job on the beer Oskar Blues.

Serving type: on-tap

06-28-2012 23:27:58 | More by julian89

Gatch

Massachusetts

4.28/5  rDev -2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On-tap @ Oskar Blues Home Made Liquids and Solids.

A: Pitch black with a dark brown head that fades quickly. No lace or retention. Just dark liquid.

S: Roasted malt and booze with a hint of molasses and dark chocolate.

T: Huge bittersweet dark chocolate, sweet roasted malt, faint American hops, molasses.

M: Boozy, sweet, delicious malt.

O: Awesome RIS. Great flavors. Well done, OB.

Serving type: on-tap

06-13-2012 00:37:21 | More by Gatch

bump8628

Oklahoma

4.48/5  rDev +2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On-tap at the Tasty Weasel. Oskar Blues does big beers well and this is no exception. Everything the style demands is present. Thick and creamy, but not overly sweet. Strong espresso, chocolate covered coffee beans, char, and a blast of herbal hops. Black as night with a lasting collar of tan foam. I wish I could get cans of this in Oklahoma...

Serving type: on-tap

05-22-2012 19:33:25 | More by bump8628

martyl1000

Wisconsin

4.5/5  rDev +3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Note to self: this one's too big, too. Great, but rather sickening in its richness. Definitely a personal problem, as I can imagine big beer lovers having no problem, here.

On tap at Dexter's, Day 2 of Madison Craft beer Week. Had this after a Tallgrass stout that had been run through a hop rocket filled with cocoa nibs and dried chiles (at Malt House).

Coffee flavor is overshadowed by the booziness. Mouthfeel is quite nice. If I weren't on the verge of puking from an evening of overindulgence, I'd probably enjoy this quite a bit.

Serving type: on-tap

05-06-2012 04:23:42 | More by martyl1000

mactrail

California

4.13/5  rDev -5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Near black in the glass, with a nearly brown head, which lasts quite a long time. Pleasant spritz on the tongue.

Huge mouthful of flavor. Dark roast malt, licorice, and hops. Rather tart with a big smack of alcohol. Massively rich without being syrupy. Maybe a whiff of smoke and some raisins, but a clean powerful taste.

Such a a black flavor, a blast of malt shot with crazy darkness of charred sugar. Really none of the sour burnt taste. A mouthfilling, hot, vast expanse of flavor. Great sipping beer and to me, more friendly and pleasurable than some of the other icons of the RIS world.

On tap at Ciros on Garnet Ave in San Diego.

Serving type: on-tap

04-26-2012 23:25:47 | More by mactrail

BrownNut

Florida

2.65/5  rDev -39.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5

I don't get it. People hold this up as a holy grail stout. It didn't even taste like stout to me. It didn't really taste like beer. I can't figure out what it tasted like but it was a taste that shouldn't be in a beer. Not quite fruity - maybe some kind of perfume? It wasn't necessarily a bad taste but I guess it's like when you go to take a sip of your coke and you're thrown off for a second because you had forgotten you were actually drinking iced tea. I loves me some RIS but this one must be an acquired taste. I've never had anything that tasted similar. I wouldn't order it again.

Serving type: on-tap

01-24-2012 04:31:24 | More by BrownNut

2xHops

Texas

4.43/5  rDev +1.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I've seen this beer in my local stores so many times, but I have never bought a 4-pack. However, I finally got a glass at a local watering hole I frequent, and here I am.

The beer looks good with a good thick and black body to go along with tan lacing that's very thick and does not fade away quickly. The aroma's not something I'm qualified to assess. I can't smell very well!

The taste's great. It doesn't have strong coffee flavors like many RIS beers, and it's something I prefer. There's some sweetness to the beer to soften up the stout flavor profile.

The mouthfeel's great, and it's very viscous and nowhere close to being thin. It lingers in your mouth for a long time, and what can I say?

I'd buy this beer once in a while, and I imagine when I'm in the mood, it'd be worth the $14-$15 for a 4-pack.

Serving type: on-tap

01-19-2012 02:34:20 | More by 2xHops

StonedTrippin

Colorado

4.18/5  rDev -4.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

this is a HUGE beer. pours muddy fudge black into a full pint glass (wow) with a dark brown head and inch high. smells really really strong, bittersweet coffee notes, and bread grains. taste is really bold, heavy dark roasted malts up front and a stiff bitterness on the back end, molasses and espresso in between. mouthfeel is great here, carbonated just enough, and really smooth for such a strong brew. overall a very impressive imperial stout, maybe the best ive had. got to be careful with these though, can get loose pretty quick with the abv. fresh at the brewery in lyons this was epic

Serving type: on-tap

01-03-2012 19:44:04 | More by StonedTrippin

chadsexington

Pennsylvania

4.75/5  rDev +8.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Had this one on-tap at a local bar. This brew blew my effin' mind!

A- Poured into an 8 oz snifter this. It's as black as the ace of spades. The head is also a very dark coffee color and sticks around for a bit. Not even light can escape the surface of this beer.

S- Sells like what you would expect from this style. Lots of chocolate upfront with a hint of hops. No trace of booze at all.

T- Mother of God.... It tastes strongly of chocolate and malty goodness. This beer has an alcohol content of 10.5% (hence the name "Ten FIDY"), but it is hardly present in the taste. Everything is balanced perfectly. Not too sweet. Not too bitter. Not too boozy. One of the best RIS's I've had.

M- It feels like velvet going down. Decent carbonation. One thing I will mention is that I think this beer is pretty filling. It would be difficult to drink more than two of these in a night....and expensive. I'm sure i would if i could though.

Over all, I love this beer. It has given me a new appropriation of the RIS family. I found a four pack of this at a grocery store on the East coast. Unfortunately it was about $17...I almost cried.

Serving type: on-tap

12-15-2011 20:46:37 | More by chadsexington

JTSbeerislife

Pennsylvania

4.4/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On draft at The Fridge, Lancaster, PA

Notes taken when served.

Poured into a 12 oz Snifter, an acceptable glass.

Pours a very thick two finger head, which rapidly reduces to a thin cap. Lively stout though and easily revived with a swirl of the glass.
Black, opaque color.

Rich, malt driven aroma, chocolate and caramel, roasted malt, yeast and dark break. Complex. Could be a little more distinct IMO.

Incredibly rich, chocolate and huge roasted malt entry on the palate. Massive body, very full mouth feel. Dark unsweetened chocolate, caramel. No bitterness, just mind blowing richness. Wow!

Long, rich, chocolately finish. Coats the mouth and clings forever.

A top notch, delicious stout. Unbelievably rich! An extremely enjoyable and delicious drink.
Highly recommended!

Serving type: on-tap

12-10-2011 22:55:39 | More by JTSbeerislife

woosterbill

Connecticut

4.1/5  rDev -6.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On-tap at Prime 16 into a 3/4 pint glass.

A: Fully black body that glows vermillion around the extreme edges when held up to light. 1/2" head of dense, pillowy brown foam. Good retention, great lace. Intense-looking, gorgeous stout.

S: Big + rich: chocolate, coffee, brownie batter, and booze. Quite good, but nothing really stands out to make it especially memorable.

T: Follows the nose: sweet and roasty up front, with major chocolate and brownie elements leading to a finish that balances the malty goodness with some earthy hop bitterness and a healthy dose of alcohol. Definitely boozier than I'd like for a sub-10% beer, but still very tasty.

M: Thick, viscous, and explosive. Definitely a bit overly frothy, but still hugely enjoyable.

O: Great beer, but I think I like it better from the can.

Cheers!

Serving type: on-tap

11-24-2011 18:15:05 | More by woosterbill

Hophead717

Pennsylvania

4.45/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Enjoyed on tap at Pinocchio's in Media, PA. A 12 ounce pour into a tulip glass.

A: Black with a one-finger mocha head that sticks around for more than half of the beer. Fair amount of lacing along the glass.

S: Major notes of chocolate as expected, but also strong hints of bitterness from the hops. I expected the hops to come through in the taste, but probably not in the nose. Some clues that the beer will be sweet as well.

T: Chocolate malt upfront, with a light caramel sweetness. Strong bitterness from the hops also. Definitely not used to this level of hop bitterness in a stout, but it works well.

M: So creamy, so delicious. This is easily the creamiest, full-bodied beer I've had. Imagine the creaminess of Guinness, but without it's thin body. Perfect.

O: Great beer. I really enjoyed it and will keep an eye out for it on draft again in the future!

Serving type: on-tap

11-23-2011 19:20:54 | More by Hophead717

Hands22

Florida

3.95/5  rDev -9.6%
look: 5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at Beachwood BBQ (Seal Beach). 

A- Poured dark brown (almost black) with a thick, brown head that lasted for most of the glass. 

S- Chocolate malt with a little bit of roast and booze. Strong malt sweetness reminiscent of dark fruits (plum especially). 

T- Chocolate malt and the dark fruit again. The beer is well balanced enough that the malt isn't overwhelming but it is still the focus. 

M- Medium-full bodied. Medium carbonation.  

O- A great imperial stout. Very well designed but a bit pricier than I'd like.

Serving type: on-tap

10-19-2011 04:37:53 | More by Hands22

CrystalShipMS3

Maryland

4.88/5  rDev +11.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Pours black inky darkness. Super dark brown almost chocolate colored head. Head doesn't last long leaves some sticky residue on the glass as you drink.

Smell: Coffee and some cherry. Dark and bitter smell but slightly sweet.

Taste: Brilliant. Perfect. Sweet alcoholic fruit and bitter coffee and chocolate balance perfectly together. Lots of depth, each flavor develops on your palate with every sip. It's just plain excellent. Strong but tasty alcohol flavor develops as it warms, almost vodka like but it fits with the thick flavor well.

Mouthfeel: Cream. Perfect for the brew. Heavy. Delicious.

Oveall: I'll never forget this beer. Dear god. It's amazing.

Serving type: on-tap

10-10-2011 22:48:42 | More by CrystalShipMS3

jzeilinger

Pennsylvania

4.22/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Pours a dark engine oil color with minimal caramel colored lacing that's very thin, and no carbonation. The beer is very viscous and sticks to the sides of the glass like cough syrup before oozing back down into the beer.

S - Aroma is chicory, oak, toasted toffee, extreme mild expresso, and big time roasted malt.

T - Massive woody oak character, bittersweet dark chocolate, mild charcoal, licorice, and anise. There's a moderate boozy presence with lingering chocolate and charcoal.

M - Heavy medium body, sticky, and viscous.

O - A big beer with big flavor and definitely worth every penny

Serving type: on-tap

10-06-2011 01:43:52 | More by jzeilinger