Laughing Dog Brewing Anubis Imperial Coffee Porter Imperial/Strong Porter at 9.2% ABV ($8.99 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 650ml, bottle date 25-Sep-2014)
Pours nearly opaque black with deep ruby around the margins, a fat finger of tight beige head, great retention, excellent lacing. (5/5) Nose is creamy chocolate giving way to dark coffee and dark roasty malt. (8/10) Taste is moderate sweet and moderate bitter, coffee astringency. (7/10) Full body, smooth and creamy texture, lingering astringent finish. (4/5)
Starts with loads of chocolate, and even a hint of milky creaminess, before the coffee takes over. The high ABV is very well integrated, with barely even a gentle warming on the finish to warn you of its presence. Generally pleasant, well-balanced, and well-behaved. The single biggest flaw – and it’s not a big one – is the way the coffee takes over with its intensity and astringency, through the middle and into the finish. A pleasant sipper regardless. (16/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
