Storm King Stout - Victory Brewing Company

glid02

Georgia

4.25/5  rDev +3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On-tap at the Brick Store.

Pours black with a 1.5-finger light brown head. The head recedes into a wispy layer on top leaving solid lacing.

Smells of equal parts robust roasted malts, herbal and slightly pine hops, and rich dark chocolate. As the beer warms the roasted aromas fade a bit and the herbal hops intensify.

Tastes very similar to how it smells. Smooth roasted malt and dark chocolate flavors kick things off and are joined quickly by large amounts of pine hops. The hops carry through to a solidly bitter ending.

Mouthfeel is very good. It's got a smooth thickness with grainy carbonation.

Drinkability is also very good. I finished my glass quickly and could easily have a few more.

Overall I remain a fan of this beer but I think it tastes thicker and fuller on cask. Still, a very good beer that's well worth a shot however you can get it.

Serving type: on-tap

01-14-2011 21:54:48 | More by glid02

scottyshades

Florida

4.22/5  rDev +2.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On-tap at the Victory brewery

A: Pours a viscous pitch black color with a huge dark brown head. Retention is awesome.

S: A lot different than I remember from the bottled version. Lots of woody notes that almost make this seem oak aged. Strong chocolate and coffee notes. Not as much lactose as I recall either. Very earthy

T: Lots of wood in the flavor. Bitterness is high, bittersweet chocolate, toffee, light molasses, and coffee. Pretty damn hoppy.

MF/D: Viscous body, carbonation is a little higher than I usually prefer. Finish is bittersweet chocolate and wood

Serving type: on-tap

01-05-2011 21:45:07 | More by scottyshades

smakawhat

Maryland

3.48/5  rDev -15.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Served on tap into a snifter.

Why do I bother with the appearances. It's a stout. It's black.. moving on.. okay but seriously folks... The bubbles on this one are actually kind of a soapy consistency the fall at a decent clip buy not too fast. The bubbles are a faint brown.

Aromas of faint malt and a strange almost dare I say watery wetness, a "clean" sort of smell as if you were smelling just opened tap water from your kitchen sink. That's the only way I can describe it.

Taste improves after the bouquet even thought the watery sense comes forward. A 'soft' tobacco chew like comes in the taste almost like... chewing tobacco, leaving a bitter dark chocolate aftertaste.

Mouthfeel is actually good with a small bitterness balanced by the easy wet taste.

Drinkability I'd rate just a fraction above average, there are things worth exploring in the stout, it is not a waste of time to have one.

Serving type: on-tap

12-04-2010 03:12:51 | More by smakawhat

mjsheehan08

Pennsylvania

4.05/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

Had on tap at Guiliftys in Villanova.

Tap pour into a tulip glass. Came to me with a thick, creamy two fingered offwhite head that stayed around. Little color was escaping this glass as the beer is black as black can be. I let it sit on the bar an warm down a little bit as I enjoyed my nachos.

The smell of this stout is amazing. Nose has a sweet smell to it, with maybe some vanilla and fruit coming in somewhere. The taste followed the nose, and I can feel a little bit of heat on the back end of it from the booze. The roasted malts come in great and blend really well with the chocolate flavor thats present in this beer. A really excellent stout and my favorite beer that has come out of Victory.

Serving type: on-tap

12-03-2010 05:21:30 | More by mjsheehan08

crosamich

Florida

2.68/5  rDev -34.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2

dark & roasted, VERY astringent. way too much high-roasted malts here for my taste. Rather than smooth, chocolately flavors from a balanced use of malts I had to choke this one down. Had this several times in the bottle and remember generous hops but that was missing here. drinkability was low due to acrid, dry, and harsh taste.

Serving type: on-tap

11-27-2010 15:43:10 | More by crosamich

LittleDon

Texas

4.13/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A half pint served in a short pilsner glass at the Gingerman in Austin, TX.

Jet black with a dense mocha head and good head retention. Aroma speaks of coffee, dark chocolate and raisins. Good amount of carbonation up front. The middle brings out the coffee and chocolate with a bit of the alcohol noticeable. Long bittersweet finish. Medium mouthfeel, maybe leaning toward heavy.

Serving type: on-tap

11-10-2010 03:23:06 | More by LittleDon

mdfb79

New York

3.65/5  rDev -11.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

From 10/26/10 notes. Had on tap at the Dupont Paradiso in DC.

a - Pours a black color with one inch of tan head and light carbonation evident. Looks amazing.

s - Smells of coffee, roasted malts, and light sweet chocolate. Also some hops in the smell. Pretty enjoyable.

t - Tastes of bitter chocolate, hops, coffee toasted malts, and roasted malts. Hints of alcohol. Pretty good but a small step down from the smell in my opinion.

m - Medium to full body and moderate to high cabonation. Body is pretty creamy. Wish it was a little less carbonated.

d - This is a pretty good RIS, but not one of my favorites. I would have liked more sweet chocolate in the taste and less alcohol, as well as less carbonation. I would definitely give it another shot, but this wouldn't be a "go to" beer for me if I see it on the menu.

Serving type: on-tap

10-29-2010 01:33:28 | More by mdfb79

urwithdave

Florida

3.98/5  rDev -3.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On tap at World of Beer. Poured into a pint glass.

A- Pretty darn black. A inch of a creamy tan head. Serious retention and crazy lacing left on the glass.

S- Dark chocolate, dark fruits, sweetness maybe vanilla? A hint of coffee. A earthy pine smell...hmmm oh yeah, that's def hops.

T- Hops in a stout?? Yup, very much so! A little suprised. Not the typical flavor from a stout, but nevertheless, it's still pretty yummy. However, the malts aren't as prevelent as I would have liked. The alcohol leaves an impression for sure. It's a little hotter then I would expect from a 9 ABV. It's almost like ther's an unbalnced chemical balance.

M- It has almost a syrupy thickness to it. Decent level of carbonation that brings out the hops here.

D- It's just different. Still a good beer that I'll revisit. I don't know if I'd drink more then 2 of em in a row. I almost feel like I'm being to hard on this one. I really enjoyed it but it's just not what I expect when I think of a RIS!

Serving type: on-tap

03-08-2010 05:21:05 | More by urwithdave

beerwolf77

Wisconsin

4/5  rDev -2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at Romans. Poured into my pint glass the beer is pitch black with a small one finger chocolate colored head. Moderate lace rings are left after settling.

The aroma is rather hoppy. Once past the hops you get chocolate, coffee, molasses, dates, figs and maybe a touch of dark fruit.

The flavor is very hoppy. more hops then I'm used to in a RIS. A decent amount of chocolate and coffee. There's a flavor in here that I just can't discern. It's not bad but it's something I've never tasted in a RIS.

Medium to full body. Almost no carbonation if any. Lightly chewy.

Overall a decent RIS. Not the best of the style but a sippable beer with lots of flavor.

Serving type: on-tap

01-03-2010 19:31:13 | More by beerwolf77

drpimento

Wisconsin

4.15/5  rDev +1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Great beer. Serious beer. Brewmaster has taken to heart the whole idea behind Imperial Stout. It is this beer. Poured with a nice sized tan head and good lace. Color is an opaque dark brown to almost black. Aroma is interesting; malty, roasty, good hop, yeast, old cheese, dark ripe fruit,& burnt sugar. Flavor's much the same except I really pick up the alcohol, mmm maybe more in the warmth than the flavor. Body is there, but not too heavy and certainly not light. Finish is all that flavor and booze and not too long. Couldn't really see it as a session although it sure is good.

Serving type: on-tap

12-27-2009 23:57:32 | More by drpimento

mdwalsh

Iowa

3.8/5  rDev -7.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had this at the Muddy Pig during their Porter/Stout Week (Festival?) Was very excited to see this on the menu.

A: Black with red hues. Medium Tan head with great lacing.

S: Cook sugars and...roasted meat were the dominant flavors I got

T: Dry roasted. Some dark chocolate. No fruit, not hops.

M: Dry, but smooth

D: Really drinkable for a RIS

Serving type: on-tap

12-14-2009 02:02:05 | More by mdwalsh

donniecuffs

New Jersey

3.68/5  rDev -10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

Poured black, with a finger of beige head, but spotty lacing. The smell was a nice bouquet of espresso, cocoa beans, dark chocolate, bitter hops, and even a subtle hint of alcohol. However, the flavor was dominated by alcohol, and to a lesser extent espresso/coffee. The mouthfeel was thick yet silky smooth. Nevertheless, the imbalance and not-hidden-at-all alcohol content had me wishing for some of the better specimens of this style which I've enjoyed.

Serving type: on-tap

10-13-2009 19:56:08 | More by donniecuffs

HopBacchus

Massachusetts

3.58/5  rDev -12.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

Liquid black pours from the tap into a sturdy pint glass, a small mocha colored head forms on top of the dark abyss

Surprisingly smelling this beer the first thing that occurred to me was Hoppes? smells also posses charred malts espresso and notes of chocolate

Slightly more bitter than i would have liked possess bitter espresso and chocolate notes as opposed to slightly sweeter ones i would have preferred roasted malts are present throughout and a slightly hopped aftertaste

Mouthfeel is good full bodied and slightly oily pleasantly carbonated

Bitterness and hop presence make this beers drinkability suffer i can't see myself enjoying more than one and a half of these in one sitting

overall I'd say its a good imperial stout but nothing exceptional
lose some of the hoppes and don't burn your malts so much

Serving type: on-tap

09-01-2009 04:23:04 | More by HopBacchus

schmitter

Pennsylvania

4.6/5  rDev +11.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Had on tap at the victory brewery

Appeared nearly black with a light tan head.

Smelled hoppy, piney, and slightly creamy.

Tasted very creamy with coffee, chocolate, and some smokiness. Higly carbonated kick.

Even with the high abv I could get after it with this one.

Serving type: on-tap

08-08-2009 19:59:06 | More by schmitter

srandycarter

California

3.88/5  rDev -5.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12 oz bottle with 2.13.13 best by date.

A - Near black with mocha .5 inch head leaves fast. Not much lacing to speak of.

S - Light, chocolate milk, coffee.

T - Very aggressive up front bitter chocolate and coffee. Falls off fast in the finish.

M - Medium body, good carb. Acidic quality that doesn't marry well with the carbonation,in my opinion, but mostly a good feel.

D - A sipper and palate killer.

Serving type: on-tap

08-08-2009 06:56:25 | More by srandycarter

rfgetz

New Jersey

3.93/5  rDev -4.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

On tap at Beneleuxx Tasting Room.

A- Pitch black, nice thin dark brown head. Sticky lacing.

S- Complex balance of burnt malts, sweet dark fruit, carmel and coffee. Suprisingly a noticable hopyness.

T- Overall taste of dark roasted malts and coffee. A bittersweet fruit note (cherry and grape like). Nice hop finish.

M- Full bodied, creamy finish. Slightly sticky.

D- Taste is not overpowering, texture is good, high ABVs are the only thing keeping me from another.

Serving type: on-tap

07-27-2009 14:39:31 | More by rfgetz

wnh

Missouri

4.4/5  rDev +7.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

On-tap at The Bavarian Lodge in Lisle, IL. Served in a 12 oz. snifter, filled to the brim.

Pitch black, with no noticeable highlights, even when held up to the light. A solid two fingers of foamy tan head, taking its time subsiding. In a nutshell, exactly what I want in an imperial stout.

The first whiff took me by surprise. Sweet, piney hops up front, which took me a few moments to pinpoint. Notes of bitter, slightly sweet chocolate underneath, and sweet malt in the background. The alcohol finally releases, presumably as the beer warms, followed by some delicious citrus hop notes on the tail end.

Follows suit on the tongue, with piney hops up front followed by bitter chocolate, both brought back into balance by a strong sweet malt backbone. I was disappointed by the overall lack of complexity--more chocolate, coffee, etc. was expected--but I'm favorably impressed by the sheer hoppiness of this brew.

Thick and rich on the palate, with a smooth mouth-coating effect and accompanying lingering flavor. My third beer of the night, so I can't say for sure how well-hidden the alcohol is, but my hunch is that this is an exceptionally drinkable beer regardless. A strong, unique version of the style, and one I'll be seeking again.

Serving type: on-tap

05-24-2009 22:43:38 | More by wnh

mhatters

Pennsylvania

4.33/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Served on tap at Victory in a pint glass

Pours an obsidian black, the head is light brown and a bit thin, maybe one inch max

A bit of alcoholic heat in the nose, but that is quickly masked by the roasted malt and a touch of coffee.

The flavor is malty and dry at first, and then a sweet creaminess in the end.

Not a huge imperial stout, but a damn good one, easy to drink and a lot to appreciate. A slight sherry note in the end makes this such a fun stout.

Serving type: on-tap

05-16-2009 23:24:16 | More by mhatters

Source

Pennsylvania

4.03/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Served ontap in a snifter.

A: Opaque. 2mm head disipates quickly to a nice lacing ring.
S: Coffee, chocolate, slight alcohol.
T: Extremely well balaced with similar flavors.
M and D: For a high ABV RIS this goes down too well. Flavors linger on the tongue.

My favorite local RIS.

Serving type: on-tap

04-06-2009 23:40:57 | More by Source

ManofMead

Illinois

4.33/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Served in a 12 oz snifter from the tap at Binny's South Loop on 3/27/09. Very dark with a awesome head which didnt dissapear for quite some time. Nice glass lacing. Smell of roasted malt and chocolate, slight coffee and lastly some hoppiness. Taste was very appealing. Unable to really taste the hoppiness right away, reminds me of something other than a stout. Nice finish with no lingering aftertaste. Hello...??!!! the hops have appeared rather late but quite timely indeed! Warms afters a while. I could drink more to be honest...not always an easy task when discussing stout beers. Very enjoyable!

Serving type: on-tap

03-28-2009 15:10:12 | More by ManofMead

Strider119

Pennsylvania

4.33/5  rDev +5.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Victory's best beer, in my humble opinion.

Appearance is beautiful. I understand it's all relative, but the heavy darkness, the way light just can't escape it's clutches like a collapsed star ... it makes my mouth water just thinking about it. A dark brown head compliments the swarthy complexion just right.

Smell is pleasant. A nice coffee tang prepares the tastebuds for a wonderful journey.

Taste is impeccable. Always a nice pick-me-up when chasing the Storm King.

Acceptable mouthfeel, if not slightly watery for an Imperial Stout.

Drinkability is up there with the best of them as an Imperial. The high ABV will catch you after a while though, it's a tricky balance and you won't want to stop drinking, trust me.

Serving type: on-tap

03-27-2009 16:10:43 | More by Strider119

roopy40

Rhode Island

3.8/5  rDev -7.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at a local watering hole

A - Black as a magic marker, good sized head (two fingers or so) that had a short retention, but left nice doily type lace.
S - Hint of burnt something (can't place it), roasted coffee.
T - Silky, chocolate, espresso, thick viscosity, very smooth.
M - Slick, oily and sliding around, velvety if you will.
D - Very much so, the high alcohol content is masked well in the front, but comes out in the finish.

I did have another oak aged stout earlier in the night which blew me away, so perhaps this didn't get the proper attention I would give it if it was a start point. Somewhat different from when I last tasted this RIS which was from the bottle. I will go after it again, but I can see it getting lost with all the incredible RIS offerings that are flying around.

Serving type: on-tap

01-28-2009 16:48:09 | More by roopy40

Kolsch

Pennsylvania

4.38/5  rDev +6.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Served on tap at home.

Appearance: Starts out really nice with 3/4 inch head but dissipates real quickly and no lacing on the glass to speak of.

Smell: Caramel and bitter chocolate with some slight licorice.

Taste: Dry, dry, and more dry chocolate upfront, then some caramel malt. Can't taste the heat from the 9.1% ABV at all. After it warms, more bitter chocolate, licorice and some hops to back it up. I intentionally upped my kegerator temp to 41 specifically for this one. Can't stand a too cold RIS. No aftertaste what so ever.

Overall: Easy to drink many of these and highly recommended, an excellent RIS!

Serving type: on-tap

11-25-2008 03:24:56 | More by Kolsch

cdmastro

Massachusetts

4.22/5  rDev +2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I was surprised to see this on tap at one of our regular haunts.

A - Dark cola appearance with an eighth inch head.

S - It was served too cold, so the aroma took a while to show itself. Malty, chocolatey.

T - When it warmed, the tastes of chocolate, coffee, and some vanilla developed. Very little alcohol presence. Some lacing as it disappeared from the glass.

M - Less creamy than expected, probably due to recent tastings of nitro stouts and porters.

D - Much too drinkable than a 9% brew should be.

Serving type: on-tap

11-23-2008 17:46:41 | More by cdmastro

beckje01

Minnesota

2.93/5  rDev -28.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A- Dark black can't see through some tan head but its lacking.

S- Boozy nose with some malt in the back.

T- Nice malt flavors some bitterness but its from the malt no hops I could clearly taste.

M- Good thickness and nice activity.

D- Ok not great but it's worth picking up. I would like to try a bottle version to see how it stacks up.

Serving type: on-tap

11-10-2008 06:14:50 | More by beckje01