Churchill's Finest Hour 2012 - Port Brewing Company / Pizza Port

birchstick

Missouri

4.1/5  rDev -9.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours black with a nice chocolaty looking head on it. Nose consists of resiny milk chocolates with soft, sweet oak wood. Taste starts off with silly milk chocolates that move into even deeper rich milk chocolates. Almost milk shake like. The chocolates yield a bit to some oak, but the milk chocolate holds strong and finishes it off. Mouth is full and creamy. Overall, this is really nice if you like chocolate beers. A little one dimensional as chocolate and oak are the two biggest and most dominant players in this beer and there are no strong traces of other layers of complexity present.that being said, the flavors are bold and delicious.

Serving type: bottle

10-29-2012 02:57:16 | More by birchstick

waltonc

Colorado

4.5/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

2012 vintage acquired recently in a trade. Opened with Hobdul on his recent visit to Denver. Pours black with a nice mocha head into my Goose Island glass. Smell and taste are a well-balanced blend of bourbon, vanilla, chocolate, and toffee. The 11% ABV is perfect too - not too boozy. Reminds me that beers like Uncle Jacob and Black Tuesday are obnoxiously strong. The barrel on this is very strong,while I think this is drinking incredibly well at the moment, I wonder if this will hold up well over time. I can't imagine it getting better,since it's already aged and tastes great.

Body is fairly thick, carbonation is adequate, and it's an overall excellent beer. If someone wants to trade another bottle to me, shoot me a BM.

Serving type: bottle

10-22-2012 23:57:31 | More by waltonc

Scotchboy

Idaho

4.63/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Can't say anything without first thanking Sean for this gem...2012 CFH, gold waxed & capped, poured into a Deschutes tulip.

A: Dense opaque black with a soft cap of khaki tan head.

S: Intense bourbon and whiskey notes without being extraordinarily boozy...rye whiskey spice as well? Tons and tons of rich sweet milk chocolate, toasted almond, and oak.

T: Taste follows the nose with just a bit more booze; bourbon, oak, rich dark chocolate fudge...toasted coconut and almond, strong notes of whiskey accompanies a touch of burn on the throat, with hints of spiced vanilla.

MF: Honestly pretty smooth and mellow for a 2012 bottle. Soft carbonation, full bodied, velvety and a bit viscous and coating.

O: So tasty! The very best beer I've ever had, something I could drink all of the time even with the moderate-to-strong bourbon presence. IMO, do what you have to to trade for one of these.

Serving type: bottle

10-18-2012 16:02:08 | More by Scotchboy

jegross2

Illinois

4.95/5  rDev +8.8%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Reviewing the 2012 version of Churchill's Finest Hour from Port Brewing Company (Lost Abbey's alter ego). We cracked this one, in addition to several other big name goodies, to celebrate the end of the Illinois bar exam, my birthday, and Robbie Moy's birthday. I believe each year's batch is a different stout recipe.
Score: 99

2012 vintage bottle. Served in a plastic taster cup, shared with friends and enjoyed on 07/28/12. Review is from notes.

Appearance: Jet black color. Pours a thin layer of creamy dark tan head that settles to a ring around the glass. Good lacing, but average retention. 4/5

Smell: Huge notes of fudge, plus bourbon and brown sugar. Dark fruit and subtle vanilla as well. There is a very light roastiness to the nose, which also emits a hint of wood as the beer warms. What an absolutely smooth and inviting barrel-aged stout nose! 5/5

Taste: Like the nose, fudge dominates the flavor with a little dark chocolatiness too. The fudge flavor is thick and luscious, and it coats the tongue with lingering flavor. Layered on top of the fudge is the bourbon, molasses and a hint of coffee. Not tasting any wood. There is some sweet dark fruit flavor as well, but the dark fruit characteristics are more subtle on the palate than it was in the aroma. There is a faint hint of alcohol towards the finish that gives the beer a little kick without throwing off the balance or drinkability. 5/5

Mouthfeel: Full bodied, minimal carbonation. Thick, viscous and slightly sweet. 5/5

Overall: A near-perfect stout that is easily one of the best that I have ever had the pleasure to enjoy. It is hard to fault a beer like this for not being "pretty" enough, but that's about my only real criticism here. This brew is complex and smooth, and it lives up to the hype. I sincerely hope I will be able to try this one again in the future.

Recommendation: Seek this beer out.

Pairings: Cocoa-rubbed filet Mignon.

Cost: $25 for a 22 oz (bomber) bottle.

Serving type: bottle

09-09-2012 20:55:19 | More by jegross2

Treebs

Illinois

4.64/5  rDev +2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

22 oz. waxed bottle served in a Deschute tulip. Huge thanks to Andrew (nasty31) for sharing.

A: Pours a dark black with a thick head of mocha coloring forming on the pour. It recedes a to a nice ring that leave some splotchy lace.

S: Smooth bourbon and roasted malts fill the nose right away. Sweet dark fruits (figs and chocolate covered raisins) are next with a sweet, but restrained oak and a little marshmallow. I can only hope the taste is as nice.

T: Nice smooth bourbon with just a touch of residual heat. Heavily roasted malts, but nothing overbearing. Small amount of chocolate, but quite heavy on the fudge. A little toasted coconut with some mild oak and slightly burned campfire marshmallow.

M: Incredibly smooth with a medium to low carbonation level. Velvety and cream. This beer drinks like it's, at the most, 8%. I could have finished this whole bomber with ease.

O: As I mentioned before, the drinkability is off the charts. Very smooth, rich and creamy. This was a liquid meal of deliciousness. I don't think I'll be able to have this again, but one could hope...right?

Serving type: bottle

08-15-2012 18:00:32 | More by Treebs

womencantsail

California

4.38/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Thanks for sharing, Shane.

Pours black in color with a khaki head. Nose of whiskey, vanilla, oak, and roast. Very heavy on the chocolate notes. Fudge, cocoa, and dark chocolate are quite strong in this. Slightly sweet on the palate with heavy dark chocolate character. Oak, whiskey, and a touch of vanilla. Some molasses and burnt sugar give most of the sweetness. Definitely some coffee and a moderate roast quality. Very nice.

Serving type: bottle

08-07-2012 17:39:17 | More by womencantsail

writerLJBerg

Oregon

4.33/5  rDev -4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

22oz courtesy of HopHead84. Thanks! Took a nice full pour of this since I brought it to a tasting.

A: Pitch black with a quarter inch mocha head. Slides off the glass.

N: Lots and lots of fudge. A little bit of prune. Caramel, vanilla, plenty of well integrated bourbon.

T: Sugar, bourbon, chocolate. Plenty of ground coffee. Alcohol is evident but it doesn't detract. Some sweet cherry and molasses.

M: Coating and decently thick.

O: Really glad to try this. Big and round and sweeping. A full snifter is more than enough, so I was glad to share with some BA's.

Serving type: bottle

08-02-2012 02:46:34 | More by writerLJBerg

Alieniloquium

Florida

4.53/5  rDev -0.4%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

650 mL bottle poured into a snifter. Reviewed from notes.

Appearance - Inky black. Good bit of a khaki head. Decent retention.

Smell - Wow. Booze, bourbon, and barrel. Rich roasted character. Vanilla and oak all over, but the stout comes through nicely. Awesome, but boozy.

Taste - Bourbon is less intense, but the barrel is more intense. Vanilla and oak. Someone said, "Peanuts," and for a brief moment, I agree. Rich chocolate malts. Slight dark fruit/licorice character. Great flavors. Maybe a little astringent.

Mouthfeel - Surprisingly dry. That might be the Older Viscosity in this. Boozy, but a nice feel. Well carbonated and not tremendously heavy for what it is.

Overall - Really impressive. Dry and a little astringent, but otherwise damn near perfect barreling of a great stout.

Serving type: bottle

07-21-2012 15:43:43 | More by Alieniloquium

abrand

Illinois

4.5/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Small sample poured into tasting glass

Pours a jet black. Appears as oil. Not much head is visible with the small pour. Smells of burnt coffee and dark malts. Some sweetness to the pour as well. Taste is somewhat alcoholic but a nice sweet finish. Plenty of chocolate and coffee. Mouthfeel is thick. Overall this was delicious. So glad I got to sample

Serving type: bottle

07-13-2012 01:38:33 | More by abrand

CuriousMonk

Virginia

4.56/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I traded big for this one – a limited bomber of Czar Jack. A great trade this was indeed! This is my second Churchill that I had the privilege of trying out. I absolutely enjoyed drinking the 2011 vintage last year. Poured from bomber (2012 vintage) into a tulip glass. Pours a pitch black color with a very nice tan head. Aroma is of bourbon, oak, vanilla, bourbon soaked raisins, dark fruits, dark chocolate, tobacco, roasted malt and some coffee. Flavor is quite complex and follows the nose, lots of bourbon, oak, vanilla, again the raisins, coffee, roasted malt, licorice, tobacco, dark fruits and dark chocolate. Full mouthfeel with mild creaminess to it (though I wish it was a bit more creamy). Overall, a great blended Imperial Stout from Port Brewing. I want me some more of it!

Serving type: bottle

06-25-2012 18:51:23 | More by CuriousMonk

Sean9689

Illinois

4.33/5  rDev -4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Sample at DLD 2012. Thanks to Joe!

A - Pours black, mocha head, spotty lace.

S - Chocolate, smooth booze, brownies, light oak, burnt sugars and some roast. Really well-done and spot-on barrel aging with this stout. It's just simply "on" right now.

T - Drinks like it smells. Chocolate brownies, oak, smooth booze, and light roast. Alcohol is well-integrated and smooth for how young this beer is. Finish is roasted dark chocolate.

M - Full body, rich and smooth, creamy finish.

O - I need more of this beer...my sample wasn't enough for me. Looks like I'll have to trade for a bottle here soon, because it's too good not to have again. This is the best example I've had fresh out of the 3 years, IMO.

Serving type: bottle

06-06-2012 17:25:35 | More by Sean9689

brystmar

Texas

4.35/5  rDev -4.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Opened alongside Josh's 2011. Glad we got the chance to open these together!

Tons of bourbon in the nose -- much moreso than the '11. By contrast, you'd never know the '11 was barrel aged. Complex, viscous, roasty, and hearty. Body is considerably thicker and more stout-y than the overly-carbonated bottle of '11 I reviewed in March.

Given the choice, I clearly prefer the 2012 version.

Serving type: bottle

06-03-2012 03:45:13 | More by brystmar

DavoleBomb

Ohio

4.58/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 3 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

2012 vintage. Copper wax. Poured into a snifter. Hopefully drinking this will be a fine hour for me as well.

3.0 A: Black color. Two fingers of light brown, frothy/foam head. Retention was below average, even for a beer this big, and no lacing was left.

5.0 S: Damn is this a fine smelling brew. Barrel aging is done to perfection. Bourbon and barrel give off tons of vanilla, nearly as much oak, leather, peat, melon rind, and a collaboration of generic dark fruits. The base itself offers lots of chocolate and caramel, molasses, and coffee. The beer and barrel combine to form an almost creme brulee aroma.

4.5 T: The taste if mighty fine as well, but it doesn't have the power found in the nose. The creme brulee thing is definitely back though - vanilla, chocolate, cream, coffee. Lots of oak from the barrel with leather, light peat, and fruits from the bourbon. Lots of caramel with lesser amounts of molasses. Quite the tasty treat.

4.0 M: This was the only thing I wasn't a huge fan of (that I care about anyway). Medium to heavier medium body. Too much carbonation, which I tried to remedy with occasional swirling. Lacking the creaminess that I want. Edit: I've found that it gets creamier as the carbonation dissipates. Bumping score to 4.0.

5.0 D: I love bashing beers that don't live up to their hype and/or pedigree. However, I have not a bad thing to say about this. It's a wonderful beer through and through.

Serving type: bottle

05-22-2012 02:14:14 | More by DavoleBomb

FosterJM

California

4.33/5  rDev -4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

1288th Review on BA
Bottle to Goblet
22oz Copper Wax

2012

Served at Churchills, San Marcos

Shared with Ehammond1, MrHirschybar, Jazzpatel, Nanobrew & Sebowski

App- Almost black in the glass. A very dark chocolate looking brown with maybe a 1/2" finger of head that left 0 cling but a small ring of bubbles.

Smell- Huge coffee and oak come through on this one. Much more so than 11. The chocolate added a lot of creamy undertones on this years.

Taste- As it warms much more vanilla comes out in spades on this one. Much creamier and loses its prickly edge. Really meshes well warmer. More cohesive flavors. More well rounded.

Mouth- A full medium body with a creamy low-medium carbonation. Lots of residual chocolate and roast.

Drink- Ehammond1 was right. 12 is better than 11. The flavors are more well rounded and mesh a bit better. More creaminess vs. prickly booze as well.

Serving type: bottle

05-17-2012 17:52:40 | More by FosterJM

warnerry

Michigan

4.65/5  rDev +2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Bottle served at Churchill's

A - Pours black, moderately viscous with only a small cap of head that quickly recedes. No lacing to speak of.

S - Nice smooth bourbon aroma, with vanilla and a decent amount of oak. Also quite a chocolate presence. Some roasted malts. Smell is a bit obscured by the fire pit on the Churchill's patio, but is very nice overall.

T - Similar to smell. Nice bourbon presence, but not boozy. Subtle roasted malts, and there seems to bit a faint hop presence. Also some nice dark fruits and a faint sweetness.

M - Mouthfeel is medium, almost a bit thin, but nice. Some numbing alcohol, especially noticeable on the finish.

O - Very tasty blend. Bourbon presence is assertive but not overwhelming. Had a taste at DLD, and this confirms what I thought then: a very good stout that avoids the traps of being too thick or too sweet. Definitely a treat.

Serving type: bottle

05-14-2012 01:57:53 | More by warnerry

hooliganlife

Missouri

4.68/5  rDev +2.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

thanks to joe for opening this @ DLD

thick black and oily.

sweet, vanilla, bourbon, chocolate, dark fruit

very complex and well integrated. the bourbon was blended into this perfectly. deep rich chocolate with a very complimenting sweetness. smooth vanilla.

very thick, a tad high on the carbonation but a few swirls evened that out.

this was amazing. nuff said

Serving type: bottle

04-29-2012 13:34:56 | More by hooliganlife

islandboi8204

Hawaii

4.43/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

2012 vintage split two ways.

Pours black, viscous with a small light brown foam.

Smells of bourbon, cocoa, toasted coconut, dark chocolate. Also some vanilla and caramel sweetness. Notable booze.

Tastes similarly to the nose, but a lot less boozy than I was expecting. Smooth bourbon, oak, chocolate, caramel and coconut.

Full body with plentiful carbonation compared to other big stouts. As a result, it is less thick and viscous than I was expecting from the pour.

After missing out on bottles at the release, I'm very glad I was able to a few through trade. It will be interesting to open another bottle later down the road for comparison, as this is very delicious and very drinkable right now.

Serving type: bottle

04-17-2012 14:38:29 | More by islandboi8204

ShanePB

Pennsylvania

4.7/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Vintage 2012, big THANKS goes out to Scott (smarcoly) for hooking me up with this bottle. Served into a tulip glass.

A: Deep dark black, slightly dark brown on the pour but this is like motor oil coming out. Topped with a creamy, bubbly and quite actively carbonated tan head. A bit of lacing on the walls and only really a ring around the edges.

S: Big bourbon, wood, dark malts and then just tons of chocolate pouring out of the glass. Huge fudge notes, cocoa powder, bittersweet chocolate and a faint nutty element. Such a complex and wonderfully smelling barrel aged beer.

T: Almost precisely like the nose. Dark malts lay a nice foundation and then plenty of barrel elements come in with touches of oak. There's a nice sweetness transitioning into the back end with more chocolate, fudge and cake. It's so rich and decadent but at the same time, completely balanced and drinkable. No heat whatsoever given the high ABV.

M: Well carbonated, perhaps a lot more than I'm used to or expecting for a barrel aged Imperial Stout of this size. It helps to break up the flavors nicely though and smooths things out. A bit less would have been welcomed, however.

I have to say, this is probably one of the best bourbon barrel Imperial Stouts I've had to date. The blending is so masterfully crafted and it's dangerously drinkable for 11% ABV. The chocolate and bourbon combination is unlike anything I've had in a beer before. Really exceptional stuff right here.

Serving type: bottle

04-04-2012 00:46:01 | More by ShanePB

DarthKostrizer

California

4.68/5  rDev +2.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On tap during the release party

Look: Black and totally opaque with a 1/4 inch tan head and ok retention with some spotty lace

Smell: Chocolate roasted malt vanilla and bourbon very nice nose

Taste: Upfront you are greeted by what you expect, copious amounts of chocolate and oak and then the middle brings and nice vanilla sweetness and then the beer finishes with some brown sugar and bourbon. Exceptional

Mouthfeel: Full body and mild carbonation and slightly sticky

Overall: This is for me hands downt he best vintage so far. The beer is so well balanced and the flavors are just exception. Next time I am in San Marcos visiting friends I will make sure and order another bottle if there are any left.

Serving type: on-tap

03-31-2012 21:04:34 | More by DarthKostrizer

claaark13

Indiana

4.35/5  rDev -4.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured into a Darkness snifter at 52ish degrees. Thanks Cory. Very pumped about this one.

A - Very dark with a creamy tan head. Foam is thick but slowly, goes down to a thin cover. Doesn't stick all that well.

S - Chocolate, woody caramel. The woodiness isn't quite the strong oak that I'd expect, and it blends well with the caramel. A little bit of booze is evident in the middle.

T - Cocoa comes out at first, slight amount of roast with oak, and then the vanilla. The vanilla shines in the finish. Smooth throughout, nowhere near as boozy as the '11 at about 10 months old. There is a slight amount of warmth after the finish, certainly in the throat.

M - Medium body, feels good with the carbonation.

O - Improvement over last year. I really like this a lot. I'll round it up to a 4.5.

Serving type: bottle

03-23-2012 01:14:28 | More by claaark13

largadeer

Kentucky

4.7/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Bottle from Willy. Thanks.

Opaque black body, pretty leggy and viscous. Incredible nose on this one. Maple syrup, cocoa, toasted coconut and caramel. A huge bourbon barrel presence along with faint soy sauce oxidation. The palate has a big milk chocolate and caramel character, with maple and toasted coconut in the background. A little alcohol warmth, though it's mellow on the whole, especially given the freshness. The body is viscous and full. Overall this is another exceptionally good blend, possibly the best Finest Hour to date.

Serving type: bottle

03-21-2012 18:36:40 | More by largadeer

ehammond1

California

4.75/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

On Tap

Churchill's Pub & Grille
San Marcos, CA

Black, thick, heavy looking body with a very small light brown cap atop. This leaves some small dots of lace down the glass.

As with last year's version of this beer, the best aroma is present at room temperature. The nose is a wonderful combination of earthy sweetness, whiskey, and wood. The sweet consists of brown sugar, molasses, some dark chocolates, and then comes the warming, comforting, familiar notes of barrel and bourbon.

Layers of flavor develop throughout the sip. Initially, the bourbon flavors are strong and stinging, mellowing out to reveal vanilla, oak, and chocolate. Very, very nice.

Medium to full bodied and ample carbonation.

Incredible, though I prefer the 2011 just slightly (at this point). With some age, this may become a world-beater.

Edit 5/14/2012: After having tried this beer a half-dozen times, and side-by-side with the 2011 on 3 different occasions, I'm more than willing to pronounce this the better vintage. This is extraordinarily smooth, integrated, and delicious. The best Finest Hour yet.

Serving type: on-tap

03-08-2012 02:13:35 | More by ehammond1

UCLABrewN84

California

4.75/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

On tap for Churchill's Renaissance at Churchill's Pub & Grille in San Marcos, CA.

Pours an opaque black with a tan head that fades to nothing. No lacing is present on this one. So far this looks pretty much the same as the 2011 blend. Smell is of dark roasted malt, vanilla, bourbon, and wood. Taste is of dark roasted malt, vanilla, bourbon, and wood. The cocoa flavor in the 2012 blend is much more robust and enjoyable than the 2011 blend. This beer has a lower level of carbonation with a slightly crisp mouthfeel and a nice medium body. Again, the mouthfeel is pretty much the same as the 2011 blend. Overall, this is an exceptional barrel aged stout that I enjoyed a bit more than the 2011 blend. Both years are great beers but this year’s blend was my favorite.

Serving type: on-tap

03-05-2012 21:53:28 | More by UCLABrewN84

deathcharms

California

4.8/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

CFH Release 2/3/12

A: Black as black can be with a thin lace of foam at the crest.
S:Tons of chocolate and very roasty. I got a faint coffee waft from this but not overpowering.
T: Again very heavy chocolate and a good roasting flavor. Very good balance between the barrel and the beer.
M:Light and playful, was a very easy beer to drink.

O: Way better than both bottles I've had of CFH '11. Open em now or wait a few years, either way this batch is phenomenal.

Serving type: on-tap

03-05-2012 20:59:49 | More by deathcharms

HopHead84

California

4.7/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

3/4/2012

Bottle poured into a snifter at Churchill's.

A: Black and viscous with an inch of light brown foam.

S: Cocoa and dark chocolate with aggressive bourbon aromatics. Coconut blends with vanilla, brown sugar, maple, and oak. Caramel meets a dash of coffee. Smells fantastic. 

T: Rich dark chocolate and brown sugar accompany bourbon and vanilla. I get a little coconut with a restrained nuttiness and evident oak. Roasted grains are pronounced. Caramel is present. The chocolate profile is fantastic. Booze is notable but it's not over the top and I think it's at a nice level right now. Not at all harsh.

M: Full in body with upper medium carbonation. 

Overall: Another amazing vintage blended for an awesome pub. This might be better than last year's blend. I consider myself fortunate to be able to enjoy this in a calm setting on premise.

Serving type: bottle

03-05-2012 05:05:58 | More by HopHead84