beer_name: Samuel Smith's Imperial Stout
text: Poured from 12oz brown bottle into a clear pint glass. No freshness date. Single purchased at Wine Warehouse (Charlottesville, VA) for $2.75. A: Black as night with frothy, 2-finger tan head with excellent retention and lacing. S: Typical dry stout aromas of roasted dark malts, licorice, and cocoa with a touch of leafy hops T: Good but not even close to the level of the best imperial stouts (see Expedition Stout, Storm King, Old Rasputin, BR Black Bear, Stone RIS amongst others). Solid roasted and slightly burnt dark and black malt, quite dry, with licorice and cocoa flavors. Leafy hops are in the finish. Not particularly rich or deep flavor but enjoyable. M: Where it falls the shortest with a light-for-style body and overcarbonated. D: Flavorful but second tier due to the lack of depth of flavor and thinner than expected body and feel.