Old Viscosity - Port Brewing Company / Pizza Port

northyorksammy

Ontario (Canada)

3.9/5  rDev -6.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Thick dark XXX with coffee and chocolate aroma. Taste with my eyes closed is certainly imperial stout. Smooth and drinkable but I am getting stout first and foremost.

A large bottle found at a well-stocked grocery store called Minute Shop in Solana Beach that I have tried to add, to heads up other BAs.

Serving type: bottle

03-25-2007 04:45:37 | More by northyorksammy

BuckeyeNation

Iowa

4.43/5  rDev +6.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Espresso black with zero highlights. Not even bright July sunshine is able to penetrate the depths of this black hole brew. A mousse-like crown of coffee-with-cream colored foam is generated on the pour and hangs around for a good, long while. When it finally starts to fade, a passable amount of lace is left on the glass.

The brewery says that Old Viscosity 'blurs the boundaries between porter, stout, old ale and barleywine'. Like Older Viscosity, it smells pretty much like a Russian Imperial stout or an American double stout. Bourbon notes are appreciated as well, although only 20% of Old is aged in bourbon barrels, while 100% of Older receives that treatment.

First impression: the flavor score will be a difficult call that will have to wait until many more ounces have disappeared. No problem, that's why I'm here. While I prefer the in-your-face flavor of the bourbon whiskey in Older, this one is pretty damned delicious too. The barrel aging is especially noted on the finish, once the malt flavors have begun to fade.

Warming is beginning to deliver the depth and complexity that I've been waiting for... and that ensures the higher of the two taste scores. That said, Older is a 4.75 (rounded down) and this beer is a 4.25 (rounded up). Specifics include bittersweet chocolate, dark caramel, molasses and a hint of vanilla bean. The 10.0% ABV is integrated exceptionally well, which increases drinkability that much more.

Due to only 20% barrel aging, this mouthfeel is slightly more full and creamy than Older's mouthfeel. It still doesn't have quite the size and heavy creaminess of the best big stouts, though it isn't far off.

I didn't intend for this review to become a comparison between Old Viscosity and Older Viscosity, but that's how it turned out. They're both excellent elixirs from a world-class American craft brewery that any RIS lover should seek out. Given my love for bourbon, however, Older is clearly superior.

Serving type: bottle

07-22-2009 20:40:02 | More by BuckeyeNation

mikesgroove

South Carolina

4.47/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A big thanks to Joey at South bay for this one. I have been waiting to try it for a long time, and to
be honest, just had never gotten around to it. Last night after dinner decided to grab this one out of
the fridge and pop it open for no other reason then just for the hell of it. Nice 22oz bomber that I
served at cellar temp after letting it warm up a bit and poured it into an over-sized wine glass to
really let it go to town. A very nice pour was the result. Thick and black, there was really no light
coming through this one at all. A nice one finger high head of chocolate colored foam rose up on top
and gradually settled down to just a crown, but left some nice side glass lace in its wake, not too
bad at all.

The aroma was extremely nice and immediately reminded me of its older brother. First notes I picked up
was that lovely barrel aged bourbon like smell; you knew you were getting into something right away.
Hints of oak, and vanilla, loads of cocoa and a touch of earthy hops all balancing out nicely.
Somewhat sweet, but with a nice balanced bitterness to it, this was very nice indeed. The flavor
followed suit perfectly, evolving and morphing with each sip you take. The start was of cocoa, very
dark bitter chocolate that rushed over the tongue and left a silky smooth feeling as it went by, hints
of vanilla and oak as it warmed up really started to push themselves in and take over after a few
moments. Some nice bourbon like alcohol in the middle, just enough to let you notice, but nowhere near
distracting. Quite complex, and straddling many different styles here. There was just enough of a hop
bite to dry out the finish and really push the flavors back onto your tongue. The last lingering drops
giving you that wonderful barrel like oaked taste that you were craving and just dropping the
slightest bit of baker's chocolate on the tongue, very complex flavor. The feel was smooth and
delicious, a little light in carbonation, and not nearly as thick as a big stout. Still not overly
thin at all, and still coated the mouth very nicely. For being 10% abv, you knew it was, every second
of sipping on this it was a full and

Huge in every aspect. Really not for beginners here in any way.

Overall I was very pleased with this one. You need to have a good experienced palate to appreciate how
much was put into this. It is not really that smooth of a drinker, but for me, it was just wonderful.
A bottle is good on its own, as you will feel this one, but still very good and highly recommended.

Serving type: bottle

05-14-2008 10:57:59 | More by mikesgroove

womencantsail

California

4.3/5  rDev +3.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Bottle shared with a friend returning home to So Cal after his first semester at law school in Boston.

A: The pour into a snifter is black. Pitch black with a finger high layer of mocha colored foam.

S: Interesting if not subtle aromas on this. Vanilla, roasted malt, chocolate, coffee, and some dark fruits.

T: Such a smooth flavor. Roasted malt, chocolate, coffee, vanilla, dark stone fruits, and a hint of alcohol round this one out. They might call it a strong ale, but it's very reminiscent of an RIS.

M: The carbonation is low, but appropriate. The body is very full.

D: It packs a punch at 10%, but the booze does not really come through on the flavor. I had forgotten how much I enjoy this beer. A great offering from the folks at Port.

Serving type: bottle

12-28-2009 06:36:43 | More by womencantsail

Thorpe429

Illinois

4.33/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Reviewed from notes.

Pours near black. Slight mocha head and a slight amount of lacing. The nose is loaded with coffee, chocolate, vanilla, roast, and a bit of anise. The taste i most coffee and chocolate alongside the roast, and the balance is great. Good feel with a nice body and alcohol level. Drinks very well and is another hit from Port.

Serving type: bottle

11-03-2010 02:25:02 | More by Thorpe429

ChainGangGuy

Georgia

3.6/5  rDev -13.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Appearance: Pours a black, brown-edged body with a khaki-colored head.

Smell: Rich, roasty aroma, with hints of coffee, chocolate, and anise. Deep within the scent are some faint notes of cherries.

Taste: The semi-sweet taste is an engaging mixture of black licorice, molasses, and cold coffee that would evoke thoughts of an imperial-strength root beer if it weren't for the ever-increasing roasted bitterness and hints of alcohol. Also, there's those far-off cherries carrying over from the aroma.

Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied. Moderately carbonated, with some alcohol warmth showing throughout.

Drinkability: While I would've preferred a lessened presence from the dark roasted grains, it was still pretty good!

Serving type: bottle

05-23-2007 23:45:38 | More by ChainGangGuy

brentk56

North Carolina

4.5/5  rDev +8.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: Pours an espresso black color with a sturdy head that retains perfectly and leaves a web of lacing on the glass

Smell: Dark chocolate, oak, rum-soaked dark fruit

Taste: Starts with a roasty, oaky, fruit cake-influenced chocolate flavor that is incredibly intense; by mid-palate, the hoppy bitterness adds complexity and, after the swallow, the chocolate builds in sweet/bitter intensity, portending an entrance to molasses and charcoal flavors that join the fruit cake elements in the finish

Mouthfeel: Thick and viscous, with moderate to low carbonation and a bit of heat as the beer warms

Drinkability: One luscious brew, closer to a RIS than a Strong Ale in my book, but I'll not argue with the brewer

Thanks, Boolshot, for the opportunity

Serving type: bottle

09-04-2007 00:59:56 | More by brentk56

UCLABrewN84

California

4.03/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours an opaque black with a HUGE 3 inch khaki head that fades to a small cap. The head is thick and craggy and leaves sticky globs of foam on the drink down. Smells of roasted dark malts, dark fruits, raisins, plums. Taste is same as the smell with nice roasty malt, dark fruits, and citrus zest hops. Mild bitterness in the mouth after each sip. Good level of carbonation with a thick and creamy mouthfeel. This is a very tasty beer, but I question the stout categorization. To me it seems like a mix of a stout and Belgian strong dark ale. Either way, it's very good.

Serving type: bottle

03-14-2011 02:03:17 | More by UCLABrewN84

Phyl21ca

Quebec (Canada)

4.05/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Bottle: Poured a black color ale with a off-white foamy head with good retention and some lacing. Aroma of bitter roasted malt with some citrus hops is intriguing. Taste is dominated by some medium roasted malt mix with some bitter hops as well as some oak and maybe light bourbon and vanilla notes. Very interesting and complex beer with a full body and no alcohol was discernable.

Serving type: bottle

07-25-2007 19:50:06 | More by Phyl21ca

NeroFiddled

Pennsylvania

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

Thanks to Blithering Idiot for the sample...

Unique unto itself, Old Viscosity is neither a barleywine nor an old ale, although if you'd have to choose it's more like an old ale. But it's also nicely chocolatey and slightly roasty like a porter... but bigger and richer and fuller. Yet not a Russian Imperial. In fact, not a stout at all. But not an Imperial porter either. It's, shall we say, a hybrid?

A rough pour will bring up a short head of frothy dark tan foam, but even that is hard to coax. As it pours from the bottle, the stream is dark and reddish, but once the glass is filled it's black without question. Some deep mahogany highlights can be seen when held to the light, but that's it.

The nose is restrained, and this beer doesn't really come into it's own until it reaches close to cellar temperature. There's a bit of oily dark malt, a note of licorice due to the combination of dark malts and hops, some deep dark chocolate, some softer fudge, an air of delicate roastiness, a waft of alcohol, and some grassy hops in the background.

The flavor pretty much follows the lead of the aroma, but it's just slightly fuller. The alcohol is more present, and becomes even more apparent as it warms; and the hop flavors seem to rise to the top as the roastiness subsides. The chocolatey character turns a bit vinous with a bit of dark black cherry and red wine, and the bitterness rises. The softer caramel notes get pushed aside. Over the course of the glass it goes from dark-sweet to dark-bitter; and it finishes semi-dry with a lingering dark chocolate note, a subtle astringency, and a lingering deep-roasted, almost-burnt, acrid edge. As you progress, and your palate fades and it warms and becomes a bit tar-like.

A sipper for sure, this oddity could use a touch more refinement in its formulation, but is nevertheless a pretty decent goblet at the end of a long day.

Serving type: bottle

03-15-2007 01:58:42 | More by NeroFiddled

feloniousmonk

Minnesota

4.38/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

black as sin, smallish roasted tan head...

gorgeous, deep, dark nose, rich and resplendent, redolent of molasses, anise, whiskey, a twisted stygian blend...classic!

taste: profound impact on the palate, heavy, full, and packed with prodigious flavors. All that in the nose and a little more, hangs long on the tongue. some plum, dark cherries, cocoa,...but well-blended, no particular one flavor rides over any other.

Is this a stout, a porter, an old ale...? The whiskey is king in it, and anything else fades away...very mellow, relaxing, satisfying...

10%? It's there, but it's not intrusive, it's ...mmm, motor oil!
Very solid...so rubust, and so delicate...well put-together...

oh, man!

thanks to themanaical one!

Serving type: bottle

12-07-2007 05:39:44 | More by feloniousmonk

WesWes

New York

4.25/5  rDev +2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

The beer pours a deep, dark black color with a thick frothy brown head that slowly fades to lacing. The aroma is awesome. It has a rich, warm black and chocolate malt scent that also has a slight bourban aroma. It's quite strong smelling, but also very enticing with lots of complexity. The taste is good. It has a roasted and chocolate malt taste that goes down silky smooth and finishes warm with a slight bourban barrel flavor. This is quite a beer for sure. The mouthfeel is near perfect. It is a full bodied beer with adequate carbonation. This is a damn fine beer. It's excellent in concept and delivery; a wonderful sipper. Highly recommended!

Serving type: bottle

02-26-2008 01:18:31 | More by WesWes

drabmuh

Maryland

3.85/5  rDev -7.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured into my Bruery tulip glass. Beer is black / brown at the corners. Forms a big head of small bubble that are brown. Carbonation is moderate to high and the head leaves a lot of lacing on the glass.

Beer's aroma is mostly sweet with a slight roast and no alcohol. Smells good.

I really need to do a side by side with this beer and Older Viscosity. This beer is more bitter and more coffee. No sweetness up front, falls flat on the front end of hte palate. Beer is reasonably enjoyable still but not like the barrel aged version. This is definitely a case in which the barrel process drastically improves a beer. Beer is medium in body and has a primary bitterness from the roasted malts. It comes across as coffeeish and leaves a lot of desire in the front half of the palate. I would, however, have this beer again, I think its a decent strong ale? WTF? Stout methinks.

Serving type: bottle

08-18-2010 03:18:59 | More by drabmuh

Mora2000

Texas

4.5/5  rDev +8.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to Kaiser81 for sending me this bottle as an extra.

Pours black with a beige head. The aroma is strong roasted malt and oak. The flavor is great, with coffee, oak and roasted malt. You also get some vanilla. Not much alcohol in the flavor but you do get some alcohol warming. You get a little bitterness at the very end. Very viscous beer and very smooth and creamy. Awesome beer.

Serving type: bottle

12-31-2009 21:59:50 | More by Mora2000

zeff80

Missouri

4.18/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A - Poured out a thick, oily, black color with a small, brown head of foam. It left some sticky rings of lace.

S - It smelled of caramel malt, coffee, cocoa and some subtle bourbon notes.

T - Great taste of chocolate, coffee, roasted malt and sweet caramel. Some nice bitterness and sweetness create great balance.

M - It was soft and smooth. A heavy bodied brew that is definitely a sipper.

D - This is a great tasting ale. I loved the coffee and cocoa flavors.

Serving type: bottle

07-26-2009 15:07:26 | More by zeff80

metter98

New York

4.05/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

A: The beer is jet black in color. It poured with a half finger high dark beige head that died down a bit but left a thin head that mostly covered the surface.
S: Light to moderate aromas of dark and roasted malts in the nose.
T: The taste is similar to the smell and has a light to moderate amount of bitterness. Hints of oak are also noticeable and linger through the finish.
M: It feels medium- to full-bodied on the palate and has a moderate amount of carbonation. There are some hints of dryness from the oak barrel aging and roasted malts.
O: This beer isn't too difficult to drink considering its strength because for the most part the alcohol is well hidden from the taste.

Serving type: bottle

04-07-2013 18:11:49 | More by metter98

Gueuzedude

Arizona

4.22/5  rDev +1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 4.5

Sampled February 2007
As I pour this brew a mix of rum, molasses, Madeira, rum, and sweetened espresso greets my nose. The beer pours with a thin, light brown head and a pitch black body that shows a clear, deep chocolate brown color when I hold the stream of cascading liquid from the bottle up to the light. The head disappears fairly quickly, which is not unexpected from a brew of this strength. Big aromatic notes of chocolate, roasted malt, coffee beans, malt balls jump out of the glass. I can't believe how much dark chocolate character is packed into this brew. A nice toasted biscuit character is found here that also tends to accentuate the chocolate character in some way. Alcohol is evident in the aromatic finish, but never really detracts, instead add a bit of almost balancing sharpness and even, dare I think it, a bit of blackened cherry like fruitiness. It has a huge dark malt driven aroma, but without all that harsh, burnt, acrid, astringent, grain husk character that is found in many dark malt character brews. The malt aromatics come across as being so smooth and enticing. The aroma is like an espresso soaked, rich, flourless dark chocolate cake; decadent, rich, satiating and smooth, I can't wait for my first bite, err, I mean sip.

Nice and creamy feeling up front, yet still not too heavy or sticky on the palate. That huge, smooth, dark chocolate character is certainly found up front, but the roast / burnt grain character really is much more noticeable in the flavor. Black, approaching acrid, dark roasted espresso notes finish this beer off with the corresponding burnt acidity and sharp black coffee notes one would expect of a typical Imperial Stout. While these notes do not go away, they certainly become a bit more smooth and in control after the first bit of palate shock. The flavor of this beer remains so smooth and chocolate-like up front, yet somehow manages to morph by the finish to a dark, concentrated, even almost unsweetened espresso drink by the finish. I can't help but wonder if this is a good or bad thing. On the one hand the up front, smooth character is so enticing that you want to hang on to it for as long as possible. Too quickly though the rough, burley espresso notes take hold, and in the end beg for you to balance that lingeringly, astringent burn character out by taking another sip so you can experience that smooth Imperialistic, hearty stout goodness again. Of course the cycle then starts all over again. What a dynamic brew, the dichotomy is such an interesting experience. Is this what I want in a brew? I don't know, but it is certainly an enjoyable ride.

That fact that this brew can be so easy drinking, yet so (in a balancing way really) sharp and, dare I think it, harsh makes this such an engaging experience. This beer could certainly survive a lot of years in the cellar. There is an ample hop bitterness here, that while secondary to the roast malt character, is no slouch in its own right. Also there is a sharp alcohol note that adds a bit of a "shot of rum" type kick to the finish that can only smooth out a bit with time. In fact the finish at times seems to down-right suck because it can be so harsh.

Ultimately this beer is such the consummate sipping brew. The combination of rich chocolate, creamy malt character up front and the sharp, roast dominated character in the finish makes for a brew that just can't be quaffed. This is despite the fact that this is certainly not the biggest bodied of Imperial Stouts (though it is certainly no slouch either). I still haven't quite figured out what to think of this brew. I am only part way through my first glass of this brew. In the end it is so dynamic and engaging that I can't help but be excited with this brew. There are a lot of things "wrong" with this beer, but they somehow add up to a totality of an experience that I can't really knock it in the end. The aroma says this brew is magnificent, while the flavors, taken as individual components say this is a train-wreck, but in the end this dichotomous flavor profile just works as a total experience, or better yet it is a roller coaster, which just has to be experienced. Part of the experience of this brew for me is that I can't quite place this brew; is this brew a jarring train-wreck of flavors, or is it an absolutely stunningly awesome brew because of it flaws? I still can't quite answer the question, but the experience has been so engaging and though provoking that I just can't help but love this beer.

Purchased: Park Lane Liquor, Lancaster CA

Serving type: bottle

03-13-2007 05:20:06 | More by Gueuzedude

TheManiacalOne

Rhode Island

4.35/5  rDev +4.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 22oz bottle into a mug glass. I know I've had this bottle for a while and the numbers on the bottom of the bottle look like this beer is from January 2006.

A: The beer is a deep dark black color, with a thin light brown head that fades slowly and leaves a thick lace on the glass.

S: The aroma is of rich roasted malts, chocolate, dark fruit and a touch of hops.

T: The taste is very malty and very stout-like with flavors of chocolate, dark fruits and a tiny hint of smokiness. The sweetness is not overdone and is at just the right level to let a mild hops presence creep in to achieve a good balance leave a slightly sweet after-taste.

M: Crisp and very smooth, dare I say "viscous", medium body, medium carbonation, finish is slightly sticky.

D: Tasty, goes down easily, not too filling, strong kick, I had become a bit disenchanted with the bigger darker beers out there but this beer has restored some of my faith, this is an excellent beer to drink for a whole evening.

Serving type: bottle

08-20-2009 03:23:53 | More by TheManiacalOne

Knapp85

Pennsylvania

4.06/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

This poured out as a nice beer black color with a tan head on top. The retention is pretty decent but not much lacing. The smell of the beer is oaky, roasted and semi-sweet. The taste of the beer has a subtle tart flavor from the oak. There is a balance sweet chocolate with roasted bitterness. The mouthfeel of the beer is pretty thick, it's a bit oily with a sharp carbonation to it. Overall this beer is pretty good all around. Worth having.

Serving type: bottle

02-15-2013 04:01:42 | More by Knapp85

russpowell

Oklahoma

4.7/5  rDev +13%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Pours a ruddy chestnut/ebony with 3+ finger of mocha colored head. Good lacing & head retention

S: Bakers chocolate & licorice & booze

T: Nice chocolate & coffee grounds & some booze up front. Carob, mocha & toasted to the point of some burnt grains as this warms, along with loads of dark fruits ( raisins & plums mostly), vanilla, & touch of herbal bitter hops sliding down the throat. Finishes dry with some whisky/oaky notes along with caramel & more vanilla

MF: Oily with near zero carbonation & much chewyness & great warming sensations. Every thing is in near perfect balance

Drinks great for the style & ABV, but 2 bombers of this & it's probably, nighty, night!
Another great purchase from Plaza Liquors in Tucson & a super value at $6 a bottle!

Serving type: bottle

04-10-2008 04:21:00 | More by russpowell

Halcyondays

California

4.38/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 3

22 oz. bomber

A: Thick, black, dark as the night is long, an imposing beer to say the least, with a thick dark brown head. Looks like something Edgar Allan Poe would drink if he were alive today.

S: Powerful - burnt sugar, rum, molasses.

T: A lot of coffee and mocha upfront, heavy on the mocha. There is also bittersweet chocolate, charcoal, heavy molasses, quality bourbon, the Scottish Highlands, everything you could want is in there (OK, so I was exaggerating on the last one). Delicious if you like big, thick, rich beers.

M: The definition of robust. Big, powerful, this isn't some thin wimpy little beer. It'll kick your ass if you're not careful.

D: The drinkability suffers because it's such a big brew, but that shouldn't turn you away. Still a great, kick ass brew from Pizza Port. A dessert in a glass.

Serving type: bottle

07-08-2007 04:52:09 | More by Halcyondays

emerge077

Illinois

4.22/5  rDev +1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Black body with a frothy head of tan foam, spotty bits of lace dot the glass. Little upside-down "W" bird shapes lace the edges. It demonstrates nice head retention, never breaking the surface layer. Cocoa and trace alcohol in the aroma when inhaling deeper.

Rich, bittersweet bakers chocolate flavor, with a mild hoppiness that lingers well into the dry aftertaste. Some charred malt character blends with the layered hop flavors, giving a good deal of complexity to the taste. Very smooth and creamy body, but slightly thin for being a higher abv stout. Easy drinking, nice west coast hop twist makes it unique...Thanks for sharing Jay!

Serving type: bottle

11-03-2008 03:17:34 | More by emerge077

Gavage

New Jersey

4.85/5  rDev +16.6%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: pours a thick black color with a short one finger head that falls pretty quickly. No significant lacing develops.

Smell: simply wonderful. Loads of roasted malts, molasses, coffee, dark chocolates, and hints of alcohol. This is a beer you take a big sniff of before you put it to your lips.

Taste: follows the nose with similiar roasted malts, molasses, slightly burnt coffee, and chocolates. Alcohol is noticeable but well hidden and contributes to the flavor profile in a good way. Nice bitterness and a bit of vanilla is also detectable.

Mouthfeel: heavy bodied beer. Smooth and syrupy. Aftertaste is long on the flavor profile and seems to stick to your tongue.

Drinkability: this is a killer brew. The high alcohol knocks this down a notch but this is a wonderful slow sipping brew.

Serving type: bottle

12-12-2006 00:01:34 | More by Gavage

jwc215

New Jersey

4.33/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Thanks to jcwattsrugger for bringing this back from CA:Pours black with a brown head that thins and stays for awhile.The smell is of chocolate, a hint of vanilla, some licorice and prunes.The taste follows the nose very closely - and nicely.  Chocolate with a vanilla twist, acidic sharpness, licorice, dark fruits and some oak mix together, ending with a bittersweet, slightly boozy, finish.The carbonation is low, body hits full.Despite a slight astringency, it is quite drinkable, as the taste begs for more sipping, and the alcohol is pretty well hidden (with just a peek in the finish.  A unique, enjoyable, brew.

Serving type: bottle

05-17-2008 02:32:49 | More by jwc215

akorsak

Pennsylvania

4.38/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A 22 oz bottle from Marvz. My first comment after opening and pouring the beer is 'American Strong Ale my ass, this is an American Double Stout.' My review reflects that determination.

A: The stout is pitch black, thick and, well, viscous like old motor oil. Surprisingly, the beer does not pour out in one long sludge-like stream. The head is fairly small, registering near 1/2 a finger with a cappucino color.

S: The nose is full of bread, dark alefruits, burnt toast and chocolate. The label mentions bourbon barrel aging, but I don't smell any trace of it.

T: The most striking aspect of the beer is the intensely burnt body, bringing out the most burnt-toast and darkly roasted chocolate malts that one can imagine. I am hardpressed to recall a beer that packed such a burnt taste (and seemed to celebrate that taste). Later sips add a sweeter chocolate and strong grain flavor, a graham and chocolate flavor that sits well before returning to the acrid burntness. Some buttery flavors flare up as well, softening the acrid malts. Again, I must say that evidence of bourbon barrel aging does not exist, maybe I need to hold out for the Older Visc for that one.

M: The mouthfeel is huge, full of big bread flavors and softer oak buttery hints. The lasting flavor of the beer is dark roasted malts.

D: The alcohol is well hidden until you get 1/2 way through the glass, then it hits pretty hard. An excellent stout nonetheless, to say nothing of its standing as an American Strong Ale.

Serving type: bottle

06-04-2007 01:09:39 | More by akorsak