Microbrasserie Charlevoix La Vache Folle Imperial Milk Stout American Double/Imperial Stout at 9% ABV ($6.25 via Beer Club Offering #12)
Pours nearly complete black with just a hint of ruby around the margins, two fingers of fine beige head diminishing gradually to a thick cap, excellent lacing (5/5). Nose is dark roasty malt, coffee, dark fruit (8/10). Taste is moderate to strong sweet malt, moderate bitter, vinous tang (8/10). Medium body, slightly oily yet sticky texture, soft carbonation, with a lingering bitter finish and gentle alcohol warming (4/5).
Not quite what I was expecting and certainly slightly different from other milk stouts I’ve had. That being said, it grows on you after the initial shock. I think it’s the bitterness – despite the lactose sweetness and smoothness, there’s still very strong bitterness present here, manifesting as a coffee astringency, but also a vinous tartness. Tastes much more bitter than the 30IBU rate beer claims, making me wonder if it might benefit from some cellaring time – I’m putting one away for a year or two to see whether that’s the case. Not my favourite example of the style, but certainly not without its charms. (15/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
