It's hard to think
of a style of brew that Boston Beer, makers of the Samuel Adams line, hasn't
released yet. Indeed, not only have they covered most of the beery bases,
they've even invented a few of their own (Cranberry Lambic or Blackberry
Wit, anyone?). That said, it seems astonishing that for all that, they've
never yet bottled one of the most interesting styles of all: Imperial Stout.
Which is why this self-proclaimed guru of brew has pondered over many a
glass of Samuel Adams beer why this was so. Whenever Boston Beer announced a
new style, I would wonder when Jim Koch would finally get around to
releasing Samuel Adams Imperial Stout. The answer, of course, was
2009, as part of the new Samuel Adams Imperial Series of beers.
And, of course, what better beer to kick off an imperial series than the
original? "Imperial" beers are all the rage these days, but they all can
trace their roots to Imperial Stouts, those hale and hearty dark brews of
exceptional strength and character shipped from mighty England to Czarist
Russia centuries ago.
For my part, I'm a bit skeptical of applying the "imperial" moniker to an
increasing number of styles. Stouts, though, now stouts are a different
story. I'm all about Imperial Stouts, especially ones done up as nicely as
this one. Samuel Adams Imperial Stout pours to a midnight-black color with a
thick, creamy tan head formation and a simply delightful (and somewhat
sinful) licorice-laced cocoa nose. The texture of the liquid grabs the
tongue immediately upon sipping; this is one rich, viscous, luxuriantly
smooth beer. As it descends in my glass, I notice thick tan colored suds
clinging to the sides, and really, this one is descending a lot quicker than
it should.
At 9.2% by volume, this is a beer to be sipped and savored, but it's so
sinfully delcious I keep coming back for more. The rich dark cocoa notes are
simply amazing, and I'm reminded of the finest bittersweet dark chocolate
laced with a hint of fruit. There's licorice, too, and espresso, a hint of
pepper, and of course a warming note of alcohol in the very roasty dry
finish.
I think this would make a wonderful dessert beer, perhaps best paired with a
thick slice of black forest cake, shavings of dark chocolate falling over
the sides. Indeed, the beer even has a hint of fruity cherry to my taste,
and reminds one (me at least) of the aforementioned confection.
While Samuel Adams Imperial Stout may seem pricey at $9.99 for a four-pack,
it's really not. $2.50 a bottle for a rich sipping brew like this seems
downright reasonable, actually. And don't be afraid to lay a few bottles
down for later, either.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For
reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.