Clown Shoes Beer Advent Party Crasher American Double / Imperial Stout at 10% ABV | 80 [?] IBU (2017 Craft Beer Advent Calendar #8, 355 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 20-Nov-2017, reviewed 8-Dec-2017)
Appearance: opaque black with no hint of relief, one finger of fluffy beige head diminishing rapidly to a thin collar, spotty lacing. (3/5) Aroma: orange peel, dark chocolate, caramel & toffee, liquorice. (9/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, high bitter. (9/10) Palate: full slick body, moderate carbonation, off-dry lingering finish. (4/5)
Gotta give credit where credit is due, Clown Shoes is up to the challenge of creating a smart one-off advent riff on one of their stronger performers. I had their Undead Party Crasher three years ago, and damn if this ain’t better. The orange peel in particular contributes a hugely festive note, alongside chocolate and liquorice. The mother beer claims an 80 IBU, and this one feels like it’s right about that level to me, but well-balanced against a supportive sweet malt and appropriately heavy slick body. Think Terry’s Chocolate Oranges liberally soaked in booze, and you’re not far off the mark. Except for admittedly minor quibbles about the head retention and lacing, this is a nearly perfect contender. I’m actually starting to get a little worried about the performance of the advent calendar at this point, because I’m starting to feel like there’s nowhere to go but down. Here’s hoping I get proven wrong! (17/20)
8.5/10 #craftbeeradvent2017 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
