Evil Twin Brewing / Westbrook Brewing Co. Imperial Mexican Biscotti Cake Break American Double / Imperial Stout at 10.5% ABV | 60 IBU (C$17.49 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 650 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 18-Nov-2017, reviewed 5-Feb-2018)
Appearance: solid black with no relief, one finger of rocky beige head diminishing gradually to nothing, no lacing. (3/5) Aroma: chocolate, vegetal green chilli, cinnamon, coffee, nuts. (7/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate-high bitter, mild spice. (8/10) Palate: full slick body, moderate-low carbonation, sweetish warming spicy finish. (4/5)
Solid enough brew. The peppery spice is even-handed on the tongue, and doesn’t linger inappropriately, but on the nose it’s a vegetal green chilli note that’s not entirely welcome. Not offputting, by any means, or even intrusive, but just a bit out of balance in the context of the chocolate and nuts. A redder, warmer spice note might’ve worked better, but this is a bit too green. (And to be clear, I’m not objecting to spice, but its character. I’m Leonard-of-Hap-and-Leonard-level when it comes to spice: I can’t taste shit unless my ass is on fire.) (15/20)
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
