Collaborative Evil 2010
on tap @ the bier stein pours a rich dark aubergine with garnet highlights. a thin, fluffy white head stays atop for a good while and leaves some ample lacing. aroma is roasty, malty, hints of dark fruit. Figs, black currant and some raisin. a hint of booziness. touch of cardboard and damp wood. smidgen of cocoa. taste follows closely with hefty roast, some ample dark malt, heavy rich fruit. blackberry jam, black currants, honey. caramel and blackstrap molasses. I like sweet and fruity baltic porters, but this one is almost over the edge. rich chocolate in the finish, along with roasted cocoa and a hint of coffee. mouth is medium body with ample and appropriate carbonation. it works. nothing astounding, but solid. All in all, I was hoping for a bit more. maybe it's the bit of age that has started to mellow stuff out a bit? It just lacked the character I'd hope from an imperial baltic porter. slightly unbalanced toward the sweet and almost-boozey, with just a smidgen of hops to pull it back. Glad I tried it, but as a die-hard baltic porter fan, this one just didn't really do much for me.