Sierra Nevada Narwhal Imperial Stout (2016) American Double / Imperial Stout at 10.2% ABV | 60 IBU (C$4.99 at Oak & Vine, 355 ml, packaged on 5-Aug-2016, acquired 27-Mar-2017, reviewed 15-Oct-2017)
Appearance: opaque black with no relief at the margins, one finger of fluffy beige head diminishing gradually to a thin cap, minimal lacing. (3/5) Aroma: dark roasted malt, coffee & chocolate, liquorice, boozy dark dried fruit, hint of smoke. (8/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate-high bitter. (8/10) Palate: full slick body, moderate carbonation, sweetish lingering bitter warming finish. (4/5)
Huh. I’m a little on the fence here. I mean, yeah, it’s good, and all – but it’s not what I was expecting. It’s definitely not thin, or metallic, or (ahem) boring… but it… well… hints at it. Just slightly. I couldn’t really point to any one thing and call it lacking (well, except for the relatively poor retention and lack of lacing) but it’s just not getting me excited. (16/20)
My 236th from the 2013 Edition of 1001 Beers You Must Taste Before You Die (new to that edition) and 260th combining both editions.
8/10 #1001beers #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
