Heavy Seas - Siren Noire Imperial Chocolate Stout - Heavy Seas Beer

Rifugium

Pennsylvania

4.08/5  rDev +11.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

First had: on tap at Pinocchio's, Media, PA

12oz. pour into a stem glass, a dark black-brown body with a thin mocha head that pretty much fizzled out completely in a minute or so. The aroma was definitely the best part of this beer, with scents of sweet milky chocolate, dark malts, a touch of indistinct fruit in the background. Taste of dark malts and chocolate chips up front, with a touch of plum and a mild tea-like astringency that was well within tolerance. The chocolate flavor actually thinned out a bit as the beer warmed, which I found unusual, since most beers like this do just the opposite, but it was still nice and chocolaty throughout the session. Body wasn't quite full, and actually a bit closer to mid-range; seemed a little thinner than it should be, but it was listed as an English stout, so I suppose it fit the bill. Smooth and easily drinkable, with an appropriate ABV that didn't affect the taste. Good beer. Every bit as good as, or better than, Chocolate Rain, not to mention way cheaper and way more accessible.

Serving type: on-tap

05-26-2012 23:20:58 | More by Rifugium

nickthetick

Maryland

4.38/5  rDev +19.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A: pours a opaque brown/black with a thin khaki head that leaves no lacing.

S: dark chocolate, dark roaster malt, very sweet nose.

T: the dark cocoa starts and is there for the entire experience, it provides both sweet and bitter notes. There is some smokey malt notes and it all covers the alcohol extremely well.

MF: sweet and warming, full bodied and bold.

D: I wish it was around all year but its not and its a little hard to find when it comes out.

Serving type: on-tap

02-19-2011 20:07:05 | More by nickthetick

jgnam

Virginia

4.25/5  rDev +16.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I had this on tap at Rustico in Arlington, VA, and it was amazing. It may have the most refined chocolate flavor out there in a beer; it doesn't just taste like ANY chocolate, it has the distinct character of a belgian import. More importantly, I would argue that the flavor is well balanced for a brew of this sort; as undeniably prominent as the chocolate flavor is, it's not overwhelmingly sugary like Southern Tier's chocolate stouts, the alcohol bites a bit, and there are other notes in there.

I will admit that the nose is undeniably lacking in subtlety. It smells like chocolate, nothing else. However, the mouthfeel strikes a great balance; a malty, milky quality much greater than cheap swill stouts, but not so heavy it'll bowl you over.

If you prefer your chocolate flavors pushed further in the background, or you prefer more bitterness, you may take issue with Siren Noire, but I claim it superior to many popular chocolate stouts (Young's, Brooklyn Black) and among the best.

Serving type: on-tap

02-08-2011 02:30:55 | More by jgnam

Ambiorix

Kentucky

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

On tap at Galaxy Hut, Arlington, VA.

A: Black pour, fine tan head, decent lacing. Nothing spectacular, but solid.

S: Chocolate, coffee, a bit of roastiness.

T: Dry cocoa powder, roasted malt, slight alcohol. Decent hop bitterness to finish. Well balanced.

M: Substantial mouthfeel. Soft palate, gently carbonated.

D: Decent, drinkable. Doesn't feel very imperial, but it is a very enjoyable brew.

Serving type: on-tap

01-24-2011 01:06:01 | More by Ambiorix

jcparke

Connecticut

2.45/5  rDev -33.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

Had this on tap and didn't care for it. Smelled and tasted like a liquid tootsie roll. This is not what stout should be. I had high hopes for it but was disappointed. I enjoy stouts but will not try this again. Are there any good chocolate stouts? The mind boggles.

Serving type: on-tap

01-23-2011 22:41:31 | More by jcparke

strangefate

Pennsylvania

3.23/5  rDev -11.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Pours a deep black with not much head or lacing. This is very thin and not as much taste for an Imperial Stout as I feel it should have - very slight hints of chocolate but not like I'd expect from a beer with this name. Of course it's very drinkable for its thin mouthfeel, but not as good as I'd want it to be.

Serving type: on-tap

07-08-2010 09:04:35 | More by strangefate

onix1agr

Pennsylvania

2.63/5  rDev -28.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2

On- tap at the Hulmeville Inn.

A- Bordering on light black if that makes sense with some muddy brown towards the edges, a semi tan head up top with a foamy look, minor stickage.

S- A small amount of cocco and chocolate bar is even lighter. More roasty than sweet chocolate. A hit of vanilla and cola. It smells like it's not going to be to sweet.

T- Not an Imperial chocolate stout, there may be alot of alcohol in it for that classification but certainly not big on chocolate. This taste like a light cocco infused cherry cola when all is said and done. I swear I get some cherry out of it, I don't think i'm crazy. Some roast, all together bad.

M&D- Medium bodied but it comes off a bit watery since it's classified as being big, that's not the case. A cola like aftertaste. Not very sweet. Some people are calling this choklat light, well they are wrong, no way. I did not pour this down the drain, but the bartender did when I left the rest of my glass on the bar.

Serving type: on-tap

07-03-2010 14:42:21 | More by onix1agr

oglmcdgl

Pennsylvania

2/5  rDev -45.4%
look: 2 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2

On tap at hulmeville inn

A- comes to me with little to no head that sits on top of a murky dark brown brew.

S- dark chocolate and a bit of roasted malts.

T- slight roasty flavor with bits of cocoa. Rather cola like all thing considered. Not that imperial at all.

M- thin body and mid to high in the card. A little to high I might say.

D- I'm not even going to finish my share of a pint split with my boy. I'm really glad I don't have to.

Serving type: on-tap

07-03-2010 03:25:16 | More by oglmcdgl

alysmith4

District of Columbia

3.05/5  rDev -16.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

My friend ordered this beer, and I was able to try about half of it as she didn't really care for it. The appearance was average.. a nice, thick, black color, with little to no head (which could have been due to an improper pour.) The smell was malty, bitter, and had some definite coffee/ chocolate notes. Taste was just about the same - a little on the sweet side. I think this is a pretty good beer for someone looking for a chocolate-y stout, and one that I would have again - for dessert!

Serving type: on-tap

03-29-2010 00:58:25 | More by alysmith4

ChainGangGuy

Georgia

4.03/5  rDev +10.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

16 ounce pint - $6.25 at Taco Mac in Kennesaw, Georgia.

Appearance: Served up a near black body with a lasting half-inch of tan-hued foam. BA TheLibrarianGirl prefers to call it "chocolate milk foam".

Smell: Moderately roasty-toned nose with a constant note of baker's chocolate and coffee, with a slight background hint of dried dark fruits.

Taste: Dark, roasty malts presents a taste of black coffee dosed with table sugar followed by a handful of semi-sweet chocolate morsels and cocoa powder. Medium sweetness overall. A dark fruitiness slips in with a small sip of prune juice. The roastiness receives a noted bump midway and joins in with slight bitterness. Hint of alcohol warmth, then it's off to the semi-dry, halfway chocolaty, halfway roasty finish, with that small dark fruitiness lingering into the aftertaste.

Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied. Medium-carbonation.

Drinkability: It's no Choklat, that's for sure, but I still liked it. It's sort of a relatively lighter, easier-drinking alternative to it, being of slender body, lighter on the chocolate taste, and having less alcohol.

Serving type: on-tap

03-28-2010 18:13:50 | More by ChainGangGuy

morebeergood

Massachusetts

4.1/5  rDev +12%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

On tap at American Craft in Brookline. Served in an 11 oz glass. Dark brown color. Slight lacing. Great toasted malt smell. Taste was exceptional. Definitely had a roasted coffee flavor, but also a very pronounced dark chocolate aftertaste. Delicious. Mouthfeel was great, thick for a stout but smoother than normal. Only negative note is that it is very sweet for an imperial stout. Would not desire to drink a lot of this beer at one time, but would be an excellent after dinner beer or paired with a chocolate dessert. One of the better chocolate stouts I have tried.

Serving type: on-tap

03-15-2010 16:39:41 | More by morebeergood

metter98

New York

4.38/5  rDev +19.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A: It poured dark brown with hardly any head
S: There are faint aromas of roasted, burnt malt
T: There are mild chocolate flavors with only a slight amount of bitterness
M: It's medium-bodied with some creaminess
D: It would be very easy to drink more than one of these in a single sitting

Serving type: on-tap

03-14-2010 17:32:17 | More by metter98

claytri

Maryland

4.03/5  rDev +10.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

The beer poured black with a nice tan lace. The aroma was of sweet malt with a hint of prunes. The taste was of malt and dark fruits, but it was all muted, and had a slight alcohol burn in the finish. The feel was heavy and wet. I grabbed this one at the Judge
s Bench with no idea what it was suppossed to be other than dark. It was an interesting beer, very soft flavors and a bit unusual. I was shocked to find it was suppossed to be a chocolate stout as I detected no hint of chocolate about it. An OK beer, but not one I'll be seeking out in the future.

Serving type: on-tap

03-12-2010 16:26:12 | More by claytri

thain709

Pennsylvania

3.88/5  rDev +6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A - Served with a deep brown body and a small light brown head that disappeared very quickly...there wasn't much head to speak of after a few minutes but there was some lace that clung to the glass

S - A nice, roasted malt aroma...the chocolate wasn't dominating but it was rather a pleasant aroma

T - The chocolate part of this stout really sticks around on your palate...the flavor is bittersweet...it can't compete with the heavy roasted flavors of the malts though...the other malts are roasted and almost borderline burnt...but the flavors play well with each other

M - Medium bodied...smooth with a touch of creaminess

D - Nice chocolate and malt flavors...not a bad chocolate stout and a nice addition to the Mutiny Fleet...I love the new beers Clipper City keeps producing

Serving type: on-tap

03-02-2010 22:16:33 | More by thain709

MacDaddyJ

North Carolina

4.2/5  rDev +14.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This American Imperial Chocolate Stout is the newest release in Heavy Seas "Mutiny Fleet". It pours a dark black with some dark brown highlights and a small tan head. The aroma gives off lots of semi-sweet chocolate and coffee, with a hint of cherries on the end. The flavor follows through pretty well on the promises of the aroma. This stout comes off pretty sweet as well, but has a nice spice in the background that along with a faint hop bitterness work to balance the sweetness from the malt and chocolate. This beer finishes nice and smooth with some residual chocolate and coffee lingering on your palate. Siren Noire is surprisingly easy to drink despite the 8.0% abv

Serving type: on-tap

03-02-2010 20:29:49 | More by MacDaddyJ

johnmichaelsen

Oregon

4.05/5  rDev +10.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On tap at Max's today.

The beer pours a blackish brown color with pretty good head retention and lacing. The nose is very nice, consisting of chocolate, coffee and cherry. It also doesn't smell particularly boozy, which is a relief. The flavor profile replicates the nose in this fairly sweet stout, though there's some underlying spice as well that is attractive. Also, I get a touch of hoppy bitterness in the finish, which helps to coutner the sweetness a bit. Mouthfeel is rich, full and pretty long. I'm thinking this beer will be fantastic on cask. Drinkability is also very good, with the 8% abv. well disguised.

Quite delicious. At least for me, this is by far and away the most enjoyable mutiny fleet beer I've had yet from Clipper City. Very nice.

Serving type: on-tap

02-26-2010 20:33:40 | More by johnmichaelsen

stephenjmoore

Maryland

3.74/5  rDev +2.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

Bottled in 2012

A- Pours a dark brown that settles into a near-black body. No transparency in this one, but not motor oil dark. Started with a big frothy mocha-colored head that leaves a thin layer of bubbles on top.

S- Chocolate syrup, cocoa powder, chocolate malt, not much roastiness.

T- The chocolate flavors are there up front, but the flavor fades quickly into some weak malt flavors in the middle. The end has a cocoa powder presence, but is not quite full-flavored either.

M- Surpisingly thin, medium carbonation, not the smoothness you would expect in an imperial stout.

O- Decent beer, but not great for the style. They revamped this one for 2013, so I will be interested to see if it improved.

Serving type: bottle

04-26-2013 21:54:16 | More by stephenjmoore

ONUMello

Ohio

3.86/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

2013 edition poured from a 22oz bottle to a pint glass
A: Pitch black with a 1/2-finger tan head that settles fairly quickly
S: Smooth with coffee, cocoa, cream, dark malt, and just a kiss of bitterness
T: Coffee, vanilla cream, toffee, malt.
M: Medium to full bodied, smooth
O: I hadn't read the brewery's notes on the label before tasting this, but they match almost perfectly. It took me a bit to realize how much the bourbon barrel aging adds to the beer. I liked it.

Serving type: bottle

04-06-2013 07:13:10 | More by ONUMello

davey101

Connecticut

2.33/5  rDev -36.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

2011 vintage, 22 oz bomber into a DFH signature glass. Opens with a very loud pop.

A - Pours a jet black body, Two fingers of light mocha foam with some pretty impressive lacing and retention. Stuff just clings on for dear life.

S - Oh no. Ohhhh no. Bittersweet chocolate, plastic, roasted malts, burnt coffee and some vegetal qualities. This is bad, real bad.

T - I'd rather not try this, but I must. Bitter chocolate fades into wet cigarettes, weird red fruits, and an underlying plasticy element. This isn't an infection, its just a beer that probably saw some less than ideal living conditions during its two year stay on the store shelf. I can't finish this. Ugh...mouthfeel is medium and coating and lasts for a long time, which does NOT help.

O - Chock it up to a bottle past its prime, but this is just undrinkable. BA Siren Noire was a bit average but a hell of a bargain. I was hoping that the base beer would be similar. Note to self, buy this beer fresh.

Serving type: bottle

03-15-2013 02:41:09 | More by davey101

kylehay2004

Florida

3.96/5  rDev +8.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Three finger tan head with excellent lacing on a jet black body. Aroma of dark chocolate earthy hops, run, oak and hint if espresso. Flavor has lots of dark chocolate, oak, whiskey, hint of roasted malt, earthy hops and burnt caramel. Medium body and moderate carbonation. Full flavored and complex. One if the better brews from this brewery. Well balanced with jus the right amount of chocolate.

Serving type: bottle

03-03-2013 02:51:42 | More by kylehay2004

Maltmaiden

Alabama

3.94/5  rDev +7.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: black with no light coming through. thin head that sticks around till the end. good amt of carbonation bubbles.

S: roasted malts. Metallic phenols and quite a bit of alcohol. Dark chocolate. Not a very complex bouquet. Could do without such strong alcohol.

T: Wow! A lot sweeter and chocolatier (more like milk chocolate) than I was expecting after the smell. Roasted but not bitter malts. Some alcohol but not nearly what the smell suggested. Good amt of bourbon to it. Not overkill. very well balanced. Seems like there is lactose in it?...

M: Very smooth and thick. The mouthfeel in combination with the taste really make me think I'm having a really strong milk stout. Very light aftertaste.

O: I was disappointed with the smell and worried that I was going to be drinking liquid nickel mixed with alcohol but the taste was great. Would love to have a chance to have it on tap!

Serving type: bottle

02-14-2013 04:42:21 | More by Maltmaiden

MadScientist

New York

4.24/5  rDev +15.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25

A: black with a deep garnet showing on the edge. The persistent head is a half finger of medium-brown, compact bubbles.

S: It smells like brownies with a shot of chocolate liqueur and a splash of Bourbon. There is a moderate malt sweetness with moderate coffee and roast. A moderately-strong chocolate aroma is complemented and given depth from a moderate vanilla that the oak barrel brought to the party. A s

T: A blend of moderately-strong chocolate and bourbon flavors with a moderate oak barrel character that brings a vanilla flavor. A moderate hops bitterness and not much in the way of hops flavor maybe just a touch of citrus hops flavor. Moderately-strong malt sweetness making for a balance that is slightly towards the sweet. The finish is medium with an aftertaste of chocolate and roasted malt flavors with some hops bitterness.

M: A smooth, somewhat cream medium-full bodied with moderate carbonation. There is a light bit of alcohol warmth.

O: A well balanced beer where the three primary flavors of roasty Imperial Stout, chocolate and bourbon barrel aging complement each other. The smell has a lot of depth and complexity and is really impressive.

Serving type: bottle

02-11-2013 02:04:22 | More by MadScientist

bensbeers

Maryland

3.63/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a bomber into a dogfish head snifter. A deep velvet black; as dark as night with a head the color of espresso; not too thick, but it lingered long enough. Nose is mostly chocolatey and boozy; a hint of coffee beans and dried fruits-cherries, apricots. Taste follows the nose - mostly boozy and chocolatey; flavors are a bit overpowering; wish I was able to taste more of the fundamental elements of the beer - roasted malts, yeast, bitterness of hops. Mouthfeel wasn't too bad; mediumish body with a nice finish; for as boozy as it was, it didn't linger too long.

Heavy seas has done better. I think they tried too hard on this one, and it just didn't work out. I wish there was a stronger malt profile. It was present, but totally overpowered by the sweet taste of chocolate. Worth trying, but don't recommend if you're trying to impress someone. Cheers.

Serving type: bottle

02-10-2013 04:21:48 | More by bensbeers

gcamparone

Rhode Island

4.3/5  rDev +17.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 22 oz bomber into an oversize wine glass. The label is different than the one pictured on this site, and so is the abv (9.5) . This is part of the 2013 uncharted series, and if I find an alternate listing I'll move this review to that one. Purchased in Wakefield, RI.

A- pours an opaque black body with a 1" mocha head that reduces quickly and leaves some uniform lacing.

S- I get chocolate covered raisins and coffee beans, with some slight vanilla bourbon in the background. Subtle aroma

T- Huge vanilla notes upfront, progresses into cocoa, dark chocolate, and a nice roasty flavor that stays on the tongue for a bit. The bourbon flavor is minimal, so -.25 for that. slight booze

M- thick and robust, just how I like a good imperial stout. Medium carbonation

I really enjoyed this brew - not much bourbon character, but rating it as an imperial stout it's pretty impressive.

Serving type: bottle

02-08-2013 23:47:36 | More by gcamparone

oline73

Maryland

3.55/5  rDev -3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours a very dark brown with a half finger of tan head that goes away quickly. Smell is slightly sweet with a hint of chocolate. The taste is smooth enough with lots of roast backed up by a sweetness. Mild bourbon note. The finish is roasty but the sweetness goes away.

Serving type: bottle

02-02-2013 23:14:27 | More by oline73