Cincinnatus 2011 - Listermann Brewing Supply & Mfg

brown2cu

Ohio

4.45/5  rDev +12.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

From bottle 201!

A: Jet black in appearance with only a slight indication of dark brown towards the crown. This beer is topped by an off white head that has pretty spectacular retention for being as strong as it is. I am digging this so far; a lot of stouts that are this strong simply look listless and stagnant. well done!

S: The bourbon is as the front of the nose; however, it is not harsh in nature. Underneath this; however, there is some creaminess (vanilla?), but this is well played as well i.e. it doesn't smell like I'm going to indulge in anything over the top as was the case with Southern Tier's creme brulee stout.

T: Wonderful and rich. The bourbon is at the forefront and there is a slight harshness to it; however, this beer with some more age would level it out nicely. Vanilla and chocolate notes cut into the booziness and remind you that there is a lot going on in this brew. The sweetness, though, is cut and placed in check by a hefty hop presence that is reminiscent of spiciness, or herbalness. Nothing over the top on hops, just the right amount to balance the beer out.

M: Smooth and creamy right on point for the style. Doesn't suffer like other examples of this style for being overly viscous or syrupy.

O: One hell of a beer, and something I would get over and over again. Really wishing I had a bottle to take home for the holidays, and share with the family. Looking forward to more from these very talented individuals.

Serving type: bottle

12-24-2011 03:07:11 | More by brown2cu

ltjska04

Kentucky

4.03/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This year's Cincinnatus is topped with some silver speckled wax and hand numbered (this one's 212/2324).

Poured into my snifter, this beer is black with brown edges. It displays a lighter head than expected and it doesn't stick around too long. A thin ring around the glass is the only reminder of foam.

The smell is of alcohol/faint bourbon with a hint of stout in the background. To semi-quote Ralph Wiggum, "it smells like burning." Luckily the taste is better... chocolate notes with a deep complexity of wood, bourbon, bready malt, and a little vanilla.

The carbonation is low but good for the style. There's a slight burning in the finish but this is pretty fresh out of the barrels. Pretty drinkable for the style.

Overall this is one of the best beers to come out of the Cincinnati beer scene. I had the 2009 version of Cincinnatus and must say that the 2011 version is much much better. I believe it's a different recipe and it made a huge difference. Definitely Listermann's best brew so far.

Edit 1/2/12:
Seems I was wrong, this batch of Cincinnatus is virtually identical to the previous one but it spent more time in the barrels. Thanks Chris.

Serving type: bottle

12-23-2011 02:34:55 | More by ltjska04

ConorThomas

Kentucky

4.43/5  rDev +12.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

I usually keep my reviews on my own spreadsheet, but decided to add this to BA to let others know about this terrific beer.

A- Black, with a nice tan head that never truly disintegrates.

S- Slightly more muted than I anticipated, but the sweetness dominates the nose.

T- The taste is also sweet, with perhaps a slight hint of vanilla and caramel. There is a bit of a warming quality to the taste, along with a boozy kick.

M- Outstanding. It is warming, very smooth for the style, and not harsh in the slightest.

O- This is a very solid beer that anyone in the Cincinnati area should seek out. Although some flavors were more absent than other beers of this style, the terrific mouthfeel and smooth nature of this beer really give it a unique advantage. It should also be noted that this beer is young (only been out of the Buffalo Trace (I think) barrels for a few months).

Serving type: bottle

12-22-2011 00:58:09 | More by ConorThomas

brew3crew

Ohio

4.63/5  rDev +17.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

tweaked recipe so a new listing

A-tan head that quickly disapates

S-sweet bourbon. Very sweet and inviting

T-follows the nose. Sweet bourbon that mellows very we'll with the body. Not overpowering

M-medium body and smooth. Crazy drinkable

O-I blind shared this at a recent tasting. Multiple people thought it was black note. That's some high praise I don't know that I can argue with

Serving type: bottle

12-15-2011 21:36:31 | More by brew3crew