Atwater Brewery VJ Black Imperial Stout, Brewed in Detroit, Since 1997. Brewed & bottled by Atwater Brewery, Detroit, MI. Single Batch Series. Alc. 11% by Vol.
Appearance: solid blackness, rich, thick, cocoa-tinged head.
Aroma: On the sweet side. Vanilla is here, hints of coconut. Creamy, nutty, smooth, nice.
Taste: Rich, full-bodied, chocolate-y. Fudge. Chocolate frosting. Just as chocolate as you get. Sweet. Just a little hoppy, just enough for balance. More creamy, more vanilla, more chocolate, with plenty of hops. I like this just fine, but it doesn't quite give me what I look for in an Imperial Stout. Needs more roast, more depth, more everything.
Here's the thing. I can plop this in the category of dark, chocolatey stouts of higher than average ABVs, but I can't drop in the "best imperial stouts I've ever had" slot. No, not happening. Not even middle of the "all imperial stouts I've ever had, best or not" slot.
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