Imperial Stout Trooper
1000 review so had to make it a local favorite of mine! Poured from a growler filled from an aged cask at the brewery. Leftover from a recent caskfest at the time of the growler fill. I sampled at room temp poured into a pint glass, split the 2L growler with a friend so I could end the nite on a coherent note. The beer pours motor oil thick and the color of chocolate syrup. Minimal tan head foams up and fades quickly to a wispy edge layer. The aroma is heavy roasted malt with espresso beans dipped in dark chocolate, some molasses notes make an appearance too. Very rich and inviting. No hop presence to speak of and alcohol is fairly well masked, but you know this beer is serious. First sip reveals a thick chewy body with slightly syrupy texture and very mild spacious carbonation. The beer leaves sticky residue on my lips after each sip. Flavor is as the nose advertised. Very rich malt flavor, roasted malt and molasses mix together effortlessly. There is mild coffee bite and a hint of booze on the finish, not really warm more of a hearty overall feel to the beer. Not really a lot of cask qualities, like oaky toothpick hits, or vanilla notes, maybe a little drier on the finish than the bottles, but otherwise fairly similar. Again I dont get any hops but I dont miss em while drinkin this treat. The beer drinks very easy for its size. As others have said this is probably one of the coolest names/labels for a beer out there. Definitely worth seeking out. A well crafted brew from a great brewery close to home!