Imperial Stout Trooper - New England Brewing Co.

Holland

Pennsylvania

4.08/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured right out of the fridge from the bottle right into an Ithaca tulip. Thanks to goblinmunkey7 for sending this my way!

A: deep black color with a huge tan to brown head that just stays forever as a layer of froth. I poured a bit hard, but it was cold - huge head and retention, great looking beer.

S: rich sweet notes with some toffee, but also has the roasted coffee smell and some earthy tones.

T: very earthy and a bit bitter, but the roasted notes allow for that. Not much of the sweetness, but there's very little alcohol if any.

M: good thickness in the body, but the carbonation is just too much and tears it apart just a bit. Still very good, but it was noticeably overcarbonated for me.

O: very good beer, but the carbonation kills it. Not sure if it was intentional or not. Overall still work seeking - maybe some age on this one would do it some good.

Serving type: bottle

09-16-2012 00:01:14 | More by Holland

zhanson88

California

3.63/5  rDev -13.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

2010 750mL bottle. Got this one in a trade quite some time ago and figured it was time to pop it.

Appearance: Pours out pretty much pitch black and pretty viscous-looking. About 1/2" of medium khaki colored head forms that has pretty good lacing and retention. Pretty good looking stout.

Smell: Smells of some coffee, milk chocolate, a hint of roast and possibly a few dark fruits. Good smell, but it takes a bit for me to get much out of it. A little muted.

Taste: A hint of roast, coffee, milk chocolate, with some nice dark fruit character coming out as it warms. Again, I'd say it's comparable to the smell; good flavors, but just not enough of them.

Mouthfeel/Overall: Medium-full mouthfeel with a perfect amount of carbonation. The carbonation really makes the mouthfeel. Overall, a good stout, but not something I was super impressed with. When I try this next I'd like to try it fresher to see if some of the flavors come out more.

Serving type: bottle

08-11-2012 01:36:04 | More by zhanson88

SneezyAchew

Massachusetts

4.83/5  rDev +14.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I have had this beer a number of times on draft and from the bottle. This review is from a tasting where a couple of friends and I drank 2011, 2010, 2009, and 2008. Mostly I took notes during the 2010, but each year was better than the last.

a: Looks like black coffee just poured from a keurig, you know, considering the foam that sticks around for a bit and all.

s: Really sweet and chocolatey with a smidge of bitter coffee. Personally, I'm also getting a lot of meat here, too. Kielbasa?

t: Caramel, coffee, and more chocolate. Huge taste here. After having a number of Stone IRS' the night before, I greatly prefer the huge, bold flavors you get here. The 2010 was much more balanced than the '11, but the flavors haven't completely melded yet. However, it's undeniably delicious.

m: Medium to heavy mouthfeel. Not too viscus.

o: One of my favorite imperial stouts. Enjoyed these during Episode 3, and the beers continued to get more epic as the story did the same.

Serving type: bottle

07-31-2012 23:11:33 | More by SneezyAchew

Onenote81

North Carolina

3.38/5  rDev -19.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 3

Vintage 2011. Thanks to Celtic001 for this bottle! Bottle poured into a tall chalice. Pours a deep foreboding black, with a thick, lustrous mocha head. The nose is a bounty of coffee, roasted embers, bakers chocolate. The big downfall to this one though is the feel. This is an over-carbonated mess. Harsh bubbles scald the palate. Way overdone. This is a much more roasted beer than anticipated. Smoke, charred wood, some mild cocoa-like flavors. Not a lot of sweetness to help balance this one out. Meh. This one was disappointing to say the least. Not worthy of the hype for me anyways. Glad I tried it though.

Serving type: bottle

07-31-2012 02:24:14 | More by Onenote81

lalaloveyou

4.45/5  rDev +5.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

2008-2011 vertical shared with some of my favorite BAs.

2011(750 ml) - Poured into Hill Farmstead Stemware. A. Pours black with a tan head. Sticky lacing on glass. S. Bitter chocolate, espresso/coffee, roasted malt. T. A little unbalanced, bitter chocolate flavor with hints of caramel. A slightly boozy finish. The carbonation gets in the way of the flavor a little. M. Light and carbonated, possibly to a fault. O. A little young, needs time for carbonation to settle and flavors to balance. Bubbly and bitter.

2010 (750 ml)- Poured into Hill Farmstead Stemware. A. Black, no real head. Dark mocha lacing on glass. S. Chocolate, coffee, sweet molasses. T. Balanced flavor, chocolate with hints of molasses, coffee and caramel. Not overly sweet. M. Perfect carbonation, quite smooth. Viscous but not too thick. O. Balanced and dark.

2009 (750 ml) - Poured into Hill Farmstead Stemware. A. Dark ("Black as the night" - Mielbeer). No head. Little to no mocha lacing. S. Almost smoky, roasted. Chocolate and coffee, with sweeter vanilla and caramel coming through. Smells sweet. T. Doesn't taste of alcohol at all, sweet chocolate. M. Really smooth and full bodied. O. Smooth and dark, super drinkable, balanced and sweet.

2008 (12oz) - Poured into a brandy snifter. A. Darkest yet, with no head. S. Chocolate, almost oak-y. T. Sweet chocolate, coffee and roast... but too sweet though. Flavor is balanced. M. Smooth. Really smooth. Thick and viscous. O. Great beer. Smooth, sweet and balanced. Gets better and better as years go on.

Seriously, though... the only bad thing about this beer is that it it gone now :(

Serving type: bottle

07-30-2012 07:36:53 | More by lalaloveyou

HuskyinPDX

Washington

4.08/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Bottled dated 2011 opened on 6.26.12.

A - Pours a dark, but lively brown with a dark brown, also active, head.

S - Mostly chocolate, then some nuts, and finally some slight coffee.

T - Creamy milk chocolate and coffee, still some nuts.

D - Good carbonation with a medium body.

O - Creamy smooth and solid. Lighter body but that doesn't hurt it here.

Serving type: bottle

07-16-2012 04:07:24 | More by HuskyinPDX

brystmar

Texas

3.85/5  rDev -8.6%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

2010 bottle shared by Shufon.

Black pour from the bottle yields zero head. Lots of roast with traces of blueberries in the background of the aroma. Rich body carries the flavors to my palate. Fudge and chocolate complement the strong roast as you sip, hops show up towards the end but fade leaving an aftertaste of baker's chocolate. A straightforward example of the style.

IST is a good stout that's about on par with Founders Imperial Stout. Nothing crazy going on here: it's just a well-made RIS.

Serving type: bottle

07-01-2012 19:34:39 | More by brystmar

kawilliams81

Illinois

4.19/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

2012 vintage. Poured from a 500 ml bottle into a Goose Isalnd Clybourn snifter.

A- pours pitch black with a 1 finger dark tan head. Big spider webs of lacing remain on the glass.

S- big chocolate, roast some coffee, and dark fruits.

T- big dark chocolate, roasted malts, coffee, and faint dark fruits and light bitterness.

M- medium body and carbonation. Very drinkable, creamy with slight acidic bite at finish.

O- very good RIS. Big chocolate, roast and coffee notes that you want in a RIS.

Serving type: bottle

06-25-2012 02:18:33 | More by kawilliams81

MordorMongo

Indiana

4.1/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Review #4, 2011 Vintage served cellar temp in a tulip

A : Straight black with a full lingering tan head which fades to a nice cap leaving plenty of lacing throughout.

S : Coffee, legit dark chocolate (not tha pansy Special Dark kind, the real deal organic bitter chocolate), raisins, roasted malts

T : More of the bitter dark chocolate, almost espresso-like, dry & bitter. While nice it seems a bit of a one-trick pony here.

M : Silky & full, a tad too much carbonation maybe and again just slightly one dimensional

O : I would drink again, gladly. It is a very solid offering, and while I would like to see some more nuances it does what it does well so cannot knock it for that. Wish it was easier to get around here.

Serving type: bottle

06-24-2012 03:47:06 | More by MordorMongo

liamt07

Ontario (Canada)

4.1/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Can't recall who provided this bottle, but thanks! 750ml bottle, 2011 vintage I'll assume. Into a snifter.

Dark brown in colour, brown with a finger or two of brown head. Good retention and some lace. Nose is quite hoppy initially, with a substantial dose of roast, a bit of acidity, espresso, alcohol and a bit of dark fruit. Taste is about the same, incredibly roasty, almost charred, coffee, black licorice. Hops are still present. Thick body, with a good bit of carbonation and drying. A really nice imperial stout, roastiness was really substantial.

Serving type: bottle

06-21-2012 15:28:07 | More by liamt07

BostonHops

Massachusetts

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

750ml bottle served in a tulip.
2010 vintage.

pours a mostly opaque dark cola-brown, sits an impenetrable black in the glass... 3/4" mocha toned head demonstrates impessive retention and pretty decent lacing, too. nose is a nice RIS blend of roasted malt and chocolate with secondary notes of molasses and anise. not exactly a whopping, bowl you over boldness that i do appreciate in my RIS/imperial stouts, but very good nonetheless.

flavor follows the aroma closely: roasted malt, bitter chocolate, and hints of molasses and anise. the major difference is a perceptible hoppy presence in the taste that apparently i missed in the nose. alcohol presence is also tuned up a notch, most notably in the finish. great mouthfeel. creamy and full bodied with adequate carbonation.

overall this is a stellar beer. falls short of world class (and perhaps of the hype as well), but very well made. would love to get my hands on a BA edition.

(originally reviewed: 04-29-2011)

Serving type: bottle

06-13-2012 23:09:05 | More by BostonHops

GarthDanielson

New Hampshire

4.35/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

2012 vintage. Poured from a bottle into a tumbler pint, the beer is jet black with a low profile, dense, creamy chocolate milk colored head. Aromas are creamy, with a mocha blending leaning slightly on the bitter side. Flavors are supersmooth, with a healthy underlying kick from the ABV. Bitter and dark roasted coffee throughout, with some dark, bittersweet chocolate overtones and earthy, roasted highlights. There is a subtle sweetness that jumps in at the end of the palate...seems like a tangy caramel. The body remains smooth throughout, but is light enough to be drinkable. Another solid boozey bite in the aftertaste, as well as a roasty and bitter blend. The finish is smooth and bitter at the same time; creamy, yet sharp. Very dynamic, solidly brewed RIS. Delicious!

Serving type: bottle

06-12-2012 02:13:19 | More by GarthDanielson

ms11781

Massachusetts

4.55/5  rDev +8.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

2012 vintage. 750ml bottle poured into a snifter.

Pours a fairly thick, solid black. A huge, deep brown head rises, to the point where I have to stop pouring the beer, but falls rather quickly. Once settled it ends up as a half finger of tannish colored foam. Nice lacing is left on the glass, especially for a stout. As beer warms the foam seems to cling to the glass a bit more, though the beer wasn't particularly cold to begin with.

The nose is full of roasty and chocolate aromas. The chocolate definitely shines through more. Dark chocolate leads the way and it's paired with a slightly sweet note, almost like some sweet milk chocolate. The roastiness balances out the nose nicely and provides a nice contrast to the chocolate notes.

The taste is head and shoulders above the nose. Huge chocolate notes, dark and milk chocolate, plus some bitter baker's chocolate are the dominant flavors. The sweetness takes a backseat here as the roasted characteristics give the chocolate notes a run for their money. The taste isn't actually all that complex. It's got chocolate and some roastiness, but it has exceptional chocolate and roasted notes.

Definitely a big beer. Fairly thick body with low carbonation. Each sip seems to coat everything from the mouth down the throat and into the stomach. The alcohol is very well hidden.

This is an excellent beer. For a beer this big that has so much flavor it's very straightforward. The chocolate and roasted notes are extremely well balanced. Just a really good beer.

Serving type: bottle

05-22-2012 02:50:38 | More by ms11781

lnashsig

Texas

4.88/5  rDev +15.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Many thanks to Beenitty (Brandon) and JMFoster (James) for the chance to taste this one! Both stand up BA's and friends that hooked me up with a couple bottles of this. I shall drink now, and then age for some time and see what comes of it.

This is #BOTG 39! The challenge continues!

Poured from bottle into CBS Snifter. Pours a vicious pitch black color. Comes out of the bottle with the thickness of motor oil. As it falls into the glass, a dark tan head bubbles up like bubbles from a tar pit. Just thick looking. Some head retains, not much though. Absolutely no light gets through the glass. One of the thicker Imp stouts I've ever seen, kind of reminds me of the pour I got out of CCB Zhukov. Smell- Dark chocolate, some graininess, ovaltine, mocha coffee. Smells great. Taste- WHOA. Dark fruits, Aggressive bitterness, the thickness of this coats my mouth with a super rich thick bitter dark chocolate. This is delicious, super complex, well made RIS. So flavorful, so thick, just perfect. This beer is a home run. I'm just hoping my Astros give those pansies from Dallas a tough game tonight (not looking good at the moment) to match the greatness of this beer.

Serving type: bottle

05-19-2012 01:04:31 | More by lnashsig

TK5150

Maine

3.98/5  rDev -5.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

2011.

A- Pours blackish with a nice 1 and a half finger light brown/brown head into my snifter. Leaves nice lacing on the glass.

S- This beer has a very heavy raspberry/cassis/cherry component mixed with roasted coffee. It smells a bit tart due to the fruity/berry like notes. Just a touch of dark chocolate and astringency in the nose as well.

T- The raspberry/cassis/cherry from the nose translates into the taste as well. A bit tart. Loads of burnt coffee and a little dark chocolate. The chocolate and roasted character comes out a bit more as it warms, but the big players here are the fruits and coffee. A bit astringent and maybe a little disjointed, but there are some nice flavors here.

M- Full bodied beer, not the smoothest beer out there though.

O- I was happy when my buddy brought this up to me for my birthday last night. It was nice to check this one off the list. A nice stout. I would not buy this, but if someone offered me some I would certainly drink it again. There are better stouts out there, especially with the price/availability factored in.

Serving type: bottle

05-16-2012 20:39:26 | More by TK5150

KevSal

California

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

thanks to pahn for this gem, appreciate it evan! i was holden out this guy to drink with a buddy whos a star wars fanatic. cannot hold out any longer, want to have this one as fresh as possible.

750ml into 2 snifters

a- pours a deep dark brown, nearly black with almost no head. can see the carbonation. already very excited.

s- smells delicious, lots of chocolate upfront, followed by roastiness and sweet malts. theres a hint of fruit sweetness in there as well, possible from the seven different malts that went ino this guy.

t- roastiness right upfront but not over done, followe by some botter chocolate and slight sweetness and a touch of cherry. hops make a presence and ad a bit astringency to the finish. takes a different route than the nose, and still no alch whatsoever, impressive. chocolate comes through much more as it warms.

m- lots if carbonation on this guy with a medium to thick body for the style. maybe a touch too much carbonation but better more than less.

o- very tasty! i see why this guys gain so much popularity, its a up there with good ris. the 750 disappeared a lot easier than i thought it would. almost as good as founders ris. huge thanks to evan for the chance!

Serving type: bottle

05-16-2012 05:11:15 | More by KevSal

angrybabboon

Rhode Island

3.9/5  rDev -7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Consumed 4/29/12

Note: 2012 bottle

Appearance: Black at its core, with some brown around the edges - moderately sized tan head to start, fades, leaves a ring and some fizzy lacing

Smell: Burnt and roasted malts, but not particularly strong of an aroma - slightly acidic, perhaps a little oxidized - roasty, dark chocolate, some sweetness, dry black licorice

Taste: Dark chocolate, baker's chocolate, chocolate bitterness - burnt malts, roasted malts - very dry, minimal sweetness - coffee, char, black licorice, some booze - better than the aroma, but lacks depth

Mouthfeel: Medium body, a little thin, very dry, nicely carbonated

Overall: Good, not exceptional

This is certainly better than some Russian Imperials of the style, but the most memorable thing about this beer is it's name (aka Stout Pooper). It's better than I remember from drinking this in the past, but it's not epic.

Serving type: bottle

04-29-2012 19:25:10 | More by angrybabboon

Goblinmunkey7

Massachusetts

3.35/5  rDev -20.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Thanks to angrybabboon for splitting the bottle.

Appearance: Pours a heavier dark deep brown with a creamy, loose dark tan head. Drops to a spotty cap in short order. No lacing and minimal carbonation.

Smell: seriously roasted. Slightly burnt. Some sweeter malt notes as well. Nice infusion of cocoa powder and over sweetened coffee. Chewy burnt malts. Espresso beans and a touch of leather. All the aromas are there but it's relatively mellow. Some alcohol on the front of the nose. Sweet with a touch of cough syrup. dark fruits are buried. Heavy on raisin and cherry.

Taste: Deeply roasted malts. Burnt edges with a smoky char. Some dark fruits pull through. Overripe bing cherry. No hops to speak of. Some caramel sweetness as in candy. Bread crust and burnt toast. Same dynamic as the nose. All the right flavors are in place but it'a all on mute. Lingering charred sweetness. Old worn leather and some fresh pipe tobacco.

Mouthfeel: medium body with a moderate level of carbonation. Bubbly and light for the style. Lingering dry smokiness.

Overall: I tried this in a massive stout rating and it was incredibly underwhelming. Now that I've tried it in isolation, I know that's the case. Everything that should be in this beer is, but it's been dialed down. Makes for an incredibly easy drinking take on the style, but ultimately falls short.

Serving type: bottle

04-29-2012 19:16:52 | More by Goblinmunkey7

jordanblaskey

Illinois

3.68/5  rDev -12.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 22oz. bomber into a tasting snifter. Reviewed from notes.

A:
Pours a near black with a small mocha ring of a head.

S:
Sweet roast, coffee, espresso and alcohol heat.

T:
Faint hops at the forefront lead way to smoke, coffee, sweet malts and finishes with a nice black cherry note.

M:
Light-medium for a stout. Too carbonated for me.

O:
An interesting take on the style.

Serving type: bottle

04-29-2012 15:33:53 | More by jordanblaskey

harrymel

Washington

3.3/5  rDev -21.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 3.5

Vintage 2009
Pours a beautiful silky black with a soft light mocha foam. I'm not usually impressed by a stout's look, but this one is pretty to me. Cocoa, leather, alcohol, licorice and hints of graham. Flavor is bready with a rye tone and some more graham and dark, dark chocolate. A bit of oxidation is evident, but not to the demise, rather a slight compliment to the beer. Body is very thin for the style, almost empty with a subdued (due decorum) carb and an off dry finish. Nice beer, but not worth seeking out again for me.

Serving type: bottle

04-23-2012 15:15:24 | More by harrymel

rudzud

Massachusetts

4.08/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Picked up at Julio's last month, poured into a Duvel tulip.

A - Pours a deep, dark oily black with a one finger deep mocha head that fades to leave a nice creamy blanket atop the pour.

S - Dark roasty toasty malts and dense chocolate. Could use a bit more oomph as it is semi standard/one noted.

T - Taste though, mmm mmm good. Very nice roasted chocolatey malts. So much deep dark chocolate on this one. Very, very nice its like drinking liquid dark bittersweet chocolate.

M - Yeah, this is crazy good. Nice and velvety and the ABV is nearly completely hidden. I wish I could give this a 4.75. A bit too bitter on the finish and with a hint too much carbonation.

O - Overall this is a splendid RIS. Very chocolatey. Dark 85% cocoa type chocolate. Not too much else though, just lots of chocolate. This is a very, very hyped up beer and for me a bit too overhyped. Still though, I've got a few bottles of this stuff for a reason.

Serving type: bottle

04-12-2012 19:49:33 | More by rudzud

Florida9

Illinois

3.63/5  rDev -13.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A: Dark, dark black, but there is just a little light coming from around the edges. Forms a foamy tan colored head. Leaves some light lacing.

S: Lots of coffee and dark roasted malts. A little char on the finish.

T: Char and lots of roasted malts. Then a mild sour creaminess that is reminiscent of cheap acidic coffee. A bit of dark chocolate and some more roasted malts on the finish.

M: A little thin for the style - maybe a heavy medium. Lower carbonation and a mild bitterness.

O: Certainly wasn't what I was expecting from this beer. Rather one dimensional and just not that impressive.

Serving type: bottle

04-11-2012 01:44:11 | More by Florida9

scoand

Minnesota

4.13/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance: Well carbonated, one finger of head, pitch black body, sludge.
Smell: Super mild and reserved smell, dark fruit, coffee but mild.
Taste: bitter coffee, not super syrupy, hoppy bitterness, not sweet at all, light mocha/chocolate.
Mouthfeel: crisper, medium mouthfeel, bitter after taste from the hops.
Overall: I actually really enjoyed this. The only place where I was dissapointed was in the smell.

Serving type: bottle

04-09-2012 03:45:52 | More by scoand

Alieniloquium

Florida

3.45/5  rDev -18.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

750 mL bottle poured into a snifter. 2010 bottle.

Appearance - It's dark, but not inky. Almost a dark brown more than black. Nice mocha head that dissipates to very little lacing. Chunky sediment that floats on the surface. Gross.

Smell - Sweet at first, but immediately roasty. Dark coffee, roasty. One note smell, but not bad. Hop aroma as well.

Taste - Roasty, hoppy, again it's one note. A hint of sweetness, but it's all coffee. Bitter finish that isn't well balanced.

Mouthfeel - Thin bodied and and extremely dry. Not a good mouthfeel.

Overall - I find it hard to find redeeming qualities to this one. There's nothing offensive about it, but it's painfully average. Why do people like this so much?

Serving type: bottle

04-08-2012 01:26:33 | More by Alieniloquium

SawDog505

New Hampshire

3.53/5  rDev -16.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured into a 20 oz Duvel tulip. Pours a slick black, with a three inch dark tan head, that leaves rings of lace. Smell is roasted coffee, smoke, leather, and tobacco. Taste is all of that with lots of smoke, leather, and licorice that lingers awhile. Not my favorite flavors from a Imperial stout. Body is medium, enough carbonation, a little dry, and drinkable enough. This a good stout, but not my favorite flavors. Wish it was chewier also.

Serving type: bottle

04-06-2012 00:49:58 | More by SawDog505