Founders Brewing Company Breakfast Stout American Double/Imperial Stout at 8.3% ABV (Price unknown, via trade)
Pours nearly solid black with just a hint of lightening around the margins, a short finger of beige head diminishing gradually to a thin ring, minimal to no lacing (4/5). Nose is coffee, oats, some chocolate, milkiness and sweetness (9/10). Taste is balanced moderate sweet and bitter with some citrus tart (9/10). Medium body, prickly to moderate sustained carbonation, off-dry lingering bitter finish with building alcohol warmth (5/5).
Maybe not quite up to the hype, but dammit, it’s close. The most surprising aspect is perhaps the body – I was expecting syrupy and mouth coating, but the carbonation and intense (but balanced) bitterness keeps that from happening. The coffee bitterness is supplemented by a nearly-hidden citrusy hop sharpness, and tempered by a lactose-like chocolate sweetness. The finish is nearly crisp as a result, the long bitter tail notwithstanding. The ABV is also extremely well integrated, coming through only as a gradual and mild warming. As a result, this is a surprisingly light stout that is very drinkable, and very dangerous. (19/20)
My 118th from the 2010 Edition of 1001 Beers, 111th by the 2013 Edition, and 121st overall.
9/10 #1001beers #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
