Le Coq Imperial Extra Double Stout
This 1999 vintage bottle was a packaging rarity, with an 11.2 oz. corked presentation. As I extricated the cork, and poured out the beer, to my surprise it developed a very decent head. Not bad for a five year old beer. The labeling was very authentic looking, and projected an image of an actual English beer brewed for export to Russia, which it is. The label also provided a history lesson into the origins of the style, and the brand. The body was very dark black-brown, and the head was brown as well. The aroma was quite faint, with a mix of oxidized, sweet, and sour smells. The taste was balanced between roastiness, sourness, and saltiness. This was definitely a lot more subtle than most American Imperial Stouts, and did not come across as boldly roasty or vinous. There were definite notes of chocolate and brandy on the palette, and the alcohol had mellowed to the point of non detection. The aftertaste was creamy and dry. This is a very sedate sipping beer, which has stood the rigors of aging very well.