AleSmith Speedway Stout - Barrel Aged
A - Very black, tan head, good retention with a bit of lacing. Looks like a good stout should. S - Very sweet smelling, lots of vanilla, chocolate, and a nice sweet bourbon smell that doesn't seem like it is going to be too hot. Seems to be one of the sweeter big stouts I've smelled, but not sugary sweet, more of a very rich, deep sweetness. T - I've had most of the top imperial stouts, and this one holds it's own with the best in the taste department. Lot of chocolate with vanilla notes, very sweet and smooth. It's definately boozy, but not sharply so. You feel the heat on this one, but it's a decent compliment to the sweetness. I thought the regular version of Speedway stout was solid, but not as good as it seems to rate, but the barrel-aged version is just ridiculously good tasting. M - Thick, with a bit of stick to it, decent amount of carbonation, a bit low, although this was a 2004 bottle. D - Runs a tad hot, but still definately above average all things considered in the drinkability department.