Creme Brulee (Imperial Milk Stout) - Southern Tier Brewing Company

brewcore

South Carolina

4.53/5  rDev +16.5%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

From notes:

Served on draught at Cork in North Charleston, SC. Poured into a pint glass.

A: Opaque pitch black. Thin head with moderate lacing. Legs akin to port wine.

S: Very fragrant and very dessert-like. Smells just like the name suggests. Creme brulee all the way. I even pick up some tiramisu notes. Sweet and rich vanilla aromas heavily cover roasted malts.

T: Super sweet and super rich. More going on than lingering sweetness from the malts. Tons of caramel and vanilla. Tastes like it was poured through creme brulee. No hops bitterness noticed.

M: Body is full and sticky like caramel. Very rich. Light carbonation.

O: The name hits the nail on the head. This is a fantastic dessert beer of which I will return. My wife does not even care much for beer but she loved it. She couldn't hardly put the glass down. Due to the richness of the beer the drinkability is fairly low. I don't think I would want much more than a pint of this beer. In the future I will buy a bomber to split for dessert.

Serving type: on-tap

12-06-2011 19:00:04 | More by brewcore

57md

Pennsylvania

4.18/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Appearance is chocolate brown, almost black with a finger of tan head that has some retention. There is definitely toffee flavors in the nose. The initial taste is very sweet... almost like creme brulee (call me Captain Obvious); it is followed by some dry roasted hop bitterness that becomes more potent as the beer warms.

Serving type: on-tap

11-27-2011 08:21:04 | More by 57md

dcloeren

Texas

4.47/5  rDev +14.9%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Had on tap at Cervezas in Miami. Review from notes.

Poured a deep brown with 1.5 fingers of light tan head. Quickly dissipated into a thin ring around the edges.

The aroma from this beer is amazing! It smells just like fresh baked creme brulee... even down to the carmalized sugar. It's almost unbelievable how great this aroma is.

The taste follows the nose and is a little over the top sweet... but I dont really think I can dock it for that considering it tastes exactly like creme brulee. Pretty boozy on the back end... but I'm not complaining.

Medium bodied with copious amounts of carbonation... Maybe a tad too much. Carmalized brown sugar aftertaste coasts the mouth.

Overall, I don't think that anyone could do a better job at pulling of a stout with the name Creme Brulee. I thought this beer was exceptional and really well done. A perfect dessert beer in my opinion.

I will note that I did not review this beer to style... I reviewed it based on the fact that it is named "Creme Brulee" and judged it based on how well it held up to its name.

Serving type: on-tap

11-17-2011 14:25:00 | More by dcloeren

eslemarc

Ohio

3.98/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I was surprised to find this on draft at a Mellow Mushroom in Dublin, Ohio.

Served in a 10oz glass, the beer maintained a decent 2-3mm head for nearly the duration of the beer, cappuccino colored head clings quickly to the entire glass as it drinks down. Very deep, dark brew, nearly black with some amber hues through the bottom of the glass.

The nose is action packed with sweetness, loaded with vanilla and sugar, smells super sweet and wonderfully roasted. It was difficult to pull other notes out of it because of the overpowering vanilla.

The beer tastes just how it smells, like a delicious creme brûlée. Obviously very strong with vanilla and even some hints of alcohol on the back end of the flavor. Certainly a novelty beer, but very delicious and I'm excited about it each year.

Serving type: on-tap

11-15-2011 22:55:50 | More by eslemarc

ThaCreep

Belgium

4.58/5  rDev +17.7%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Amaretto color, that is to say, dark caramel. On the nose, this is unquestionably a flavors of creme brulee high quality, like the one that could get out of a kitchen chef.

The mouth looks like that could give this dessert a liquor legend. There is a mix of burnt sugar, cream caramel and vanilla, all made ​​extremely palatable following the addition of milk (because it is a milk stout do not forget). Too bad the bitter end is not more true of stout and then maintained, and unfortunately, the beer a little too sweet.

But hey, it's still "outstanding" and unbelievable enough to be drunk - or rather, sipping - in the corner of a good fire.

Serving type: on-tap

11-09-2011 20:23:53 | More by ThaCreep

osusullins

Illinois

4.43/5  rDev +13.9%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This beer has the best nose of any beer I have ever sniffed.

The smell is of candied butterscotch. I could sniff this beer all day.

The taste matches the nose. Butterscotch up front. Extremely sweet beer. Almost too sweet. I give this a high rating because it is delicious, however it should be noted that I can only really have this in about a 6oz portion. Anymore and it is too much. Perfect to split a bottle between a couple of friends. Great dessert beer.

Serving type: on-tap

10-31-2011 04:49:12 | More by osusullins

Centennial

Pennsylvania

3.4/5  rDev -12.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Snifter Draft after dinner

A. Dark brown with thin tan head

S. Vanilla extract and brown sugar, slight cinnamon scent

T. Strong vanilla extract and cinnamon with very sweet flavor, very artificial, I would bet more "extracts" then vanilla ae used in this brew. This is close to being too sweet and alcohol has a slightly unpleasant burning presence. If I was not having this for desert I don't think i'd be digging it at all.

O. They don't call it creme brulee for nothing. This is more of a novelty stout imho and very artificial tasting.

Serving type: on-tap

10-28-2011 07:34:36 | More by Centennial

keytown

Kentucky

4.25/5  rDev +9.3%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A - Pours jet black with a very thin tan head

S - Smells of a pint of Haagen Dazs Creme Brulee: vanilla,
chocolate & caramel.

T - Tastes very much on the same note as the smell: very
sweet, with tastes of vanilla, chocolate & caramel. There
is some hoppy bitterness on the finish, more then I
expected from such a sweet beer.

M - Full bodied and very sweet. Very smooth with some good
carbination.

O - Overall this is a good beer. I'm not big on overly sweet beers
but this one is very good. It would be an excellent desert
beer. Would pair well with Thanksgiving/Christmas desert.

Serving type: on-tap

10-22-2011 00:50:26 | More by keytown

Treebs

Illinois

2.15/5  rDev -44.7%
look: 4 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2

Had on tap at Palmer Place. Served in a snifter.

A: Pours a jet black with a thin mocha colored ring and some swirls on top.

S: Wow there is a lot going on. Caramel, vanilla, sweet chocolate, and coffee. It's just too overpowering and smells like it's going to be too sweet.

T: Big vanilla coffee flavors, some caramel, some roasted malts, extremely sweet chocolate. Some bitter coffee grinds as well. This so cloying it's crazy. I feel like I'm going to get diabetes if I keep drinking this, yet I press on.

M: Heavy and slightly chewy with a very heavy coating across the mouth. Does have some nice bubble carbon from the top, but still the sweetness just lingers and kills it.

O: If you like the sweetest candy and chocolate in the world, thrown into a barrel of vanilla and caramel as well as early onset diabetes, this is the beer for you. It had a lot of potential, but the sugary sweetness was too much for me to handle.

Serving type: on-tap

10-16-2011 14:23:50 | More by Treebs

biboergosum

Alberta (Canada)

4.08/5  rDev +4.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On-tap at the Oak Cafe in Wyandotte, Michigan.

This beer pours a solid black, with cola edges, and one finger of foamy, cloud-top head, which leaves a wall of painted lace around the glass as it gently recedes. It smells of caramel ice cream topping, and little else. The taste is still big with the caramel/vanilla sweetness, but also some graininess, bitter hops, and rather astute booze astringency. The carbonation is low, the body a strong medium weight, sugary, with a forced creamy body. It finishes with a caramel vanilla, vegetal hop character, with some booze close at hand.

Truth in advertising, if ever was - even if things sour a bit towards the end.

Serving type: on-tap

09-23-2011 01:23:08 | More by biboergosum

abeerlovr

Florida

4.3/5  rDev +10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I had this on draft served in what I can only describe at a small Weissen glass, an 11 oz pour was served.

A: very dark stout with a slight coppery head not much lacing on the glass. the head though small lingered for sometime.

S: wow! strong vanilla and caramel scent, sweet smell just like a creme' brulee or vanilla custard, very very heavy vanilla smell.

T: this is a sweet beer with strong vanilla flavor and cocoa/caramel flavors. it had a nice hop bitterness which rounded it out well. as the beer warmed it got a bit hoppier.

M: this felt thick on the tongue, probably due to its incredible sweetness. though thick it did have good effervescence.

Overall: nice dessert stout that I can drink again and again though I would have enjoyed a smaller pour as this is a rich and very sweet beer. you can skip dessert and just drink one of these, have a glass of water on hand to help relive the palate.

Serving type: on-tap

09-19-2011 16:37:15 | More by abeerlovr

spdyfire83

Ireland

4.22/5  rDev +8.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

16th Review – from notes
On-tap into snifter at House of Beer (Orlando, FL)

L: Opaque black. Minimal head (almost none) with a few residual bubbles.

S: Maple syrup – and a lot of it. Sweet, sweet, sweet. Hint of vanilla, possibly.

T: I want a huge plate of pancakes, bacon, and eggs with this breakfast brew! Hidden vanilla and nutmeg character, but mostly maple syrup.

M: Thick and huge, but not overbearing. Very tasty.

O: I really enjoyed this beer for what they are going for. It didn’t remind me of classic crème brule; however, it had a wonderful balance of vanilla, nutmeg, and maple syrup characteristics. Again, I’d like to have this with a proper breakie to round it out!

Serving type: on-tap

09-19-2011 04:31:47 | More by spdyfire83

kylehay2004

Florida

3.88/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: single finger head with very nice lace. Black with no light getting through.

S: smells exactly like creme brulee and caramel.

T: creme brulee and caramel up front which dissipates quickly to a smokey finish.

M: moderate to high carbonation. Thick body.

Overall: a little offensive with the sweetness at first but finishes nicely.

Serving type: on-tap

09-17-2011 00:43:36 | More by kylehay2004

DrinkinBoy

Georgia

4.03/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Southern Tier Creme Brulee pours and almost opaque black with hints for dark mahogany. The head is a creamed coffee color with little retention.

Its aroma is extremely strong and dead on the smell of Creme Brulee. The sweet notes are overwhelming, but small amounts of dark malt can be found.

This beer is super sweet, and that flavor immediately takes over the moment it is sipped. It immediately goes into the finish which starts with roasty malt notes, but the sweetness again builds and last for minutes.

Its mouthfeel is heavy, and the carbonation is relatively low but perfect for the style.

Overall, this beer is definitely different than anything I had ever had. It is named perfectly. The only down side is that it is so sweet, it is hard to finish just a pint of it. But it is a most have.

Serving type: on-tap

09-09-2011 14:12:08 | More by DrinkinBoy

ktrillionaire

Florida

4.03/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 2.5

Ahhh, Southern Tier, no one does it quite like you; you are the very definition of a double-edged sword. The 'Trouble Brewing' comic entitled 'Choklat' basically says it all. I digress, on to the beer at hand... Creme Brulee pours a deep brown hue, and is obviously borderline syrupy, although it does sport a persistent cappuccino-like head. The smell and taste of this beer is fantastically decadent, in-league with the richest deserts conceivable. Basically, its flavor is similar to its namesake, or to, say, a Werther's Caramel-flavored Monin Syrup, except a Stout version of the aforementioned, and it is about as syrupy-viscous as conceivable. This is, however, beer we are talking about here, and so the hugely confectionery element that this brew brings to the plate requires an adjustment of parameters to enjoy. I could not drink very much of this, but I cannot deny that it tastes good.

Serving type: on-tap

09-04-2011 20:41:46 | More by ktrillionaire

dudecandle

New York

3.88/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

On tap at Ashley's Ann Arbor:

A: Dark, near-black body with a small dark mocha head.

S: Out of this world beautiful vanilla bean smell, which combined with the roasted malt, chocolate and milkiness, give it a faux-coffee smell to boot. Just smelling this beer is enough of a dessert for me.

T: Like the smell, with the vanilla beans up front, with the lactose being a little more forward. The chocolate malts are pleasant, but overshadowed. A bit excessively sweet from these two, but still wonderful for the first few ounces.

M: Nice and creamy, complements the general desserty feel quite well.

D: This is about as rich a beer as they get. Exceptional smell, nicely creamy, but simply enough, it's too sweet. When I've split a bomber with three other people, it was great. When I tried 12 ounces myself on tap, I was bored halfway through. I'm sure if paired with a nice salty food it'd hold up, but on its own, just too much sweetness.

Serving type: on-tap

09-04-2011 18:56:36 | More by dudecandle

woosterbill

Connecticut

3.35/5  rDev -13.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

On-tap at Prime 16. Thanks, bartender, for hooking me up with a terrific pour.

A: Black body with orange highlights under a nice, frothy head of brown foam. Good retention, lots of lace. Very attractive brew.

S: W....T....F. This does not smell like beer, and nor does it smell like creme brulee exactly, but it does smell amazing. Gigantic aromas of vanilla, butterscotch, and candy corn absolutely radiate from the glass, providing the most incredibly sweet and candied smell I've ever experienced from a liquid, much less a beer. This is insane, and I'm pretty sure that's what they were going for. Insanity achieved.

T: It's still insane, but less in a fun Willy Wonka way than a terrifying clown sort of way: horrifically sweet, to the point of being heart-stopping. The sweetness alone wouldn't turn me off so much if it weren't joined by a jarringly intense booziness that makes me feel more like an alcoholic chugging butterscotch schnapps from a brown bag than a beer connoisseur enjoying a fine Imperial Stout. I"m not sure how I feel about that.

M: Thick, sticky, and full of enough lively carbonation to keep the stickiness somewhat at bay. Pretty good.

O: I can't imagine anyone drinking and enjoying an entire bomber of this at a sitting, but in small doses it's well worth experiencing just for the novelty.

Cheers!

Serving type: on-tap

08-31-2011 23:26:38 | More by woosterbill

CaptDavyJones

New York

4.38/5  rDev +12.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Had this on tap in an 11 oz snifter.
Pitch black with a nice dark tan/mocha head that dissipated fairly quickly.
Aroma is just what the name says. It is all 'creme brulee', and it is intense.
This is one BIG and delicious brew. Caramel, vanilla dominate the flavor profile with hints of bitterness towards the finish. Sweet dessert beer, which is so delicious that it left me wanting more with every sip. I enjoy stouts and this is definitely one that I will not hesitate to sip and enjoy again.
Definitely worth a try, especially if you enjoy creme brulee.

Serving type: on-tap

08-26-2011 20:16:48 | More by CaptDavyJones

Fulkrum78

Tennessee

4.72/5  rDev +21.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I had this on draft in Asheville, NC at the Thirsty Monk South. Pors dark with a nice light head. Smells just like creme brulee, and you can pick the aroma up from a foot away. Taste is sweet and rich, you even pick up something reminiscent of the burnt caramel you'd expect. The alcohol in this beer is present and noticeable, but the sweetness goes a long way towards balancing it out.

All in all, a great dessert beer. I'd happily drink it again!

Serving type: on-tap

08-26-2011 03:45:50 | More by Fulkrum78

angelogarcia3

New York

4.6/5  rDev +18.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This is a fantastic imperial stout. The first aromas are of toasted caramel, vanilla, & maple syrup. The dark midnight color and thin dark head tells you that you are about to drink a stout beer. This thick and creamy beer is very complex with flavors. On the pallette we taste vanilla, and glazed caramel, just like a creme brûlée dessert. Had it at Sapsuckers in Huntington, NY.

Serving type: on-tap

08-24-2011 22:39:16 | More by angelogarcia3

Morey

Pennsylvania

3.83/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On-Tap at Six Pack House Of Beer (West) in Erie, Pa.

Black in appearance with brownish hues around the edges when it's held up to the light. One finger of tan colored head settled to a thin lace after a couple of minutes.

Wow!! What an aroma! Nothing but BIG BAD & BOLD Butterscotch in the nose. Maybe a hint of vanilla extract. If I had my eyes closed, and someone said "here, smell this" I don't know if I would've known it was beer.

More butterscotch and vanilla in the taste. Some toffee flavor in there as well. Roasted barley and hop bitterness are of the backbone in this dessert beer.

Medium bodied for the style with moderate carbonation. The sweetness and a syrupy texture on the palate as well.

Nice dessert beer, but I couldn't imagine drinking much more than this 12oz glass in one sitting.

Morey's Bottom Line: One of the few beers that I've had where I'd have to share a bomber without question. It's just too intensely sweet and syrupy. Fun to drink none the less.

Serving type: on-tap

08-19-2011 20:11:23 | More by Morey

Brittmb29

Florida

3.65/5  rDev -6.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

On Draft at my new favorite beer bar, The Coffee District in Delray Beach, FL

A- Dark black body no light penetration and a creamy off-tan head. head stays through the glass while thinning to the rim of bubbles w/ some in the center, served cold in a cigar city snifter.

S- BUTTERYY, mmm with the alcohol smell it smell of a sweet butterscotch. slight malty smell to back the candy like smell.

T- Creamy buttery and caramalized flavors with strong alcohol mid sip. sweetness from start to finish with not much bitterness only some roasty flavors to balance. dry alcohol finish with 9.8% ABV with some sweet, but not overbearing.

M- Creamy medium body mouthfeel although dryness from alcohol makes it a thinner medium. dry from midsip and finish which is nice since it keeps the beer drinkable.

O- This is a dessert beer dream, very sweet so i don't think it would be more than a glass unless its really your thing (also due to high alcohol). Butterscotch flavors and high alcohol content also make it reminiscent of a liquor so this also docks its drinkablity for me. had a nice lambic type ale after and it was a good beer set for the night. an enjoyable draft treat.

Serving type: on-tap

08-09-2011 18:10:52 | More by Brittmb29

Huhzubendah

District of Columbia

3.98/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On draft at Capone's in Philadelphia.

The beer is dark brown with light crimson highlights, and a thin, wispy, tan head. Spotty, random lacing left on the sides of the snifter. The aroma...wow. One can detect this beer from several feet away. Huge aroma of coconut, flan, maple syrup, brown sugar. The label speaks truth...this is creme brulee. Good flavor, though less enjoyable than the aroma. Booze is prevalent throughout. Sweet and rich, this brew is akin to a gourmet dessert. A small portion is perfect. Honestly, this is an intriguing and creative beer. Well worth trying.

Serving type: on-tap

07-30-2011 22:24:15 | More by Huhzubendah

Rifugium

Pennsylvania

3.83/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Had on tap at Pinocchio's, Media, PA

On tap: major improvement from when I had it in a bottle. Again, poured a thick, chocolate brown with a nice tan head that retained for a little while, but almost disappeared mid-drink. Caramel and toffee in the nose, cream, and dark malts. Unlike the bottle, the taste matched the aroma more and was more enjoyable with almost no aftertaste. It tasted sweet and creamy, and well, like creme brulee, as the name would imply. Finishes dry and a bit bitter. Smooth, rich mouthfeel, and nicely drinkable.

Serving type: on-tap

06-20-2011 18:09:55 | More by Rifugium

DoubleSimcoe

New York

4.88/5  rDev +25.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Southern Tier Creme Brulee 2008 Vintage, on tap at The Blind Tiger in Manhattan, New York.

Appearance: Served in a snifter/chalice, this Brulee looks crazy dark and huge! Barely any head, only a thin tan line that dies soon. Some withish bubbles remain on top, but other than that, this is dark as fuck. Color is deep ruby, almost black, mighty opaque.

Smell: Creme brulee anyone? Intense vanilla, coconut pudding. The aromas are more intensified than in the fresh version.

Taste: More of the same, but so much more smooth than in fresh Brulee. The vanilla tastes like just-picked pods from the vine, slightly sun-dried. Dark sugars and liquid chocolate. A tad of wood and bourbon at the end, faint but present.

Mouthfeel: As in the other vintage Southern Tier beer I had this afternoon at the Tiger (Choklat from '07), the mouthfeel is outstanding and irreproachable. Smooth, creamy, not boozy despite the high ABV. Nourishing, chewy, delicious. Medium body, low carbonation, full flavor. A tad of burning booze at the end. Yum!

Drinkability: Super nice, just like the mouthfeel. Well balanced, never overwhelming despite the fairly one-dimensionality of the body. Pure joy.

Serving type: on-tap

02-15-2011 04:50:51 | More by DoubleSimcoe