14.6 % ABV, 84 IBU. Destihl Brewing, Normal, IL.
Dark black body, complete opacity, rich, lingering brown-tinged head.
In the nose: Banana notes spill out of this one with ease, mixed with spices and cocoa. Vanilla and caramel come up next, mingled with the deep whiskey barrel flavors. An intriguing blend, with captivating sweetness.
In the mouth: Banana begins it again, mixed with spice, and the traditional flavors found in the Imperial Stout. Coffee, cocoa, molasses, et al. The sweet, thick viscosity of the bourbon barrel-aging pokes in for a bit, but the banana and the bark dominates. What is the purpose of this Cassia bark, I wonder? What even is it? "Chinese cinnamon", you say? And why is it being used to make this beer resemble banana bread? Do they put cinnamon, or spices like it, in banana bread? Not sure, but I like it. Don't mind it one bit.
Full-bodied, rich, but not overly so. Rather easy on the palate for a beer of this kind. Wait, hold on. 14 +% ABV? Okay, time for bed...whoa.
One drawback, though...it tastes of banana, but not really banana bread.
Like a Russian Matryoshka or ʻnestingʼ doll, the secret of Dosvidanya Russian Imperial Stout lies locked deep within her dark, mysterious and elaborate wooden layers. We said Dosvidanya, or ʻgoodbyeʼ, to the hidden soul of this bourbon barrel-aged beer for several months before now revealing its rich, robust and roasty maltiness. This stout features flavors & aromas of sweet banana, bourbon, oak, vanilla & cinnamon, with a dry finish.
No comments:
Post a Comment