Siberian Night Imperial Stout
Vintage 2005 Siberian Night, on tap at Capital Ale House, Richmond, VA, downtown location, on January 26th, 2009 at Black Moonday. Appearance: Arrives a dead-looking, thick brown bodied brew with faint ruby hues that make themselves known only upon intense examination. Almost no sheen on this one - the head had faded by the time it arrived - and only a thin collar of off-white lace. Though I've never been to Siberia, I imagine that this is perhaps what a night there would look like. Aroma: Cocoa ahoy! Incredibly sweet-smelling - though not quite sticky, as there are plenty of lighter estery notes - with the dominant note being thick, decadent milk chocolate, though raisins, light herbal coffee, and caramel aren't far behind. Taste: More milk chocolate here, sweet, creamy, and rich, but also tons of raisins, yogurt-like notes, a few lighter fruity notes (a little unexpected but a very nice addition nonetheless), a few wholesome malty/oat-esque notes, definite currants, and hints of molasses/brown sugar. Malted milk balls, perhaps? Regardless, this one's very well-blended, very smooth, and more complex than the recently bottled version I had not too long ago. Mouthfeel: Even and medium bubbled, with a surprisingly large amount of carbonation that cuts through the relatively thick body quickly and easily. Drinkability: Age did this one quite a number, in a good way. Smooth, easy-drinking, tasty, and aromatic, with not even a scintilla of heat. I'm glad I have five of these bottles lounging away in my cellar right now - give this one three years and it turns into a beast of a delicious brew.