Iniquity (Imperial Black Ale)
Poured from a 22 oz. bomber into a clear pint glass. No bottle dating apparent. Purchased at Capital Market in Salem, Oregon for $8.69. A-pours a beautiful reddish-dark brown, nearly black hue with a two finger light brown head with modest retention and lacing. S-Aroma is very nice. Piney and citric Cascade, Willamette, Chinook, and Centennial hops and dark malts. T-Initial citrusy hops are sufficiently hoppy and bitter to be an IPA, but not overpowering since it was balanced by deep, bready malt flavors reminiscent of oatmeal and brown sugar. This quite good, but I wonder if it is past its prime since is beginning to resemble a barleywine. M-Substantial yet smooth, but a more a sipper at a 9% ABV. D-This very drinkable. I wish Southern Tier bottle dated. I also wish this were available to me in 6 packs of 12 oz. bottles. Not sure why they call it "iniquity" since it seems to hit the mark quite well.