Conviction | Mystic Brewery | New England Imperial Stout aged in American Oak | Batch #001 | Imperial Stout | Chelsea, MA | 12.00% ABV
Bet you thought this blog didn't post anymore, right? Apologies for the delay since the last post. I have a number of potential posts, and went through my highlights from the last six weeks or so. What better type of brew for a crisp fall day (this morning felt like early winter) than an imperial stout?
Thanks to my Uncle Jim for getting me this bottle. This one actually happens to be Batch #001 for this beer. I wrested with whether or not I should crack it open, but figured given the limited reviews out there, I could give some original thoughts for those looking as to whether it was time to drink this one. I am convinced after drinking (the beer was bottled in February) that whether you want it now or in 5 years, you will not be disappointed.
Served semi-chilled from a 750 mL bottle and poured into a snifter. Pours a deep black color with a hearty tan foam head. Smells are of coffee, chocolate, bourbon, oak and a hint of sweetness. Carbonation is moderate (higher than I anticipated) with a full body. However, it is not the body of a Bourbon County or Parabola, and is more like a Founders Breakfast Stout. The taste is extremely rich and full. Tons of flavors hit you all at once. The roasted malts and chocolate lead, with coffee, caramel, vanilla and roastiness follow. There is a hint of the oak aging, but the other flavors drown that out. The alcohol is hidden extremely well, almost too well. For a 12% beer this thing drinks more like a 6% stout. Wait 20 minutes or so and you'll remember that it's 12%. Finishes on the sweet and malty side, with chocolate and coffee lingering on the tongue.
One heck of a beer from Mystic. Up to this point I really had only had their Saisons, which you know from mine and Kevin's reviews are quite good. This was a whole different level. If I ever see another Mystic stout at the store I will buy them out.
97/100
Not enough Beer Advocate reviews (my review is listed first as of now)
Bet you thought this blog didn't post anymore, right? Apologies for the delay since the last post. I have a number of potential posts, and went through my highlights from the last six weeks or so. What better type of brew for a crisp fall day (this morning felt like early winter) than an imperial stout?
Thanks to my Uncle Jim for getting me this bottle. This one actually happens to be Batch #001 for this beer. I wrested with whether or not I should crack it open, but figured given the limited reviews out there, I could give some original thoughts for those looking as to whether it was time to drink this one. I am convinced after drinking (the beer was bottled in February) that whether you want it now or in 5 years, you will not be disappointed.
Served semi-chilled from a 750 mL bottle and poured into a snifter. Pours a deep black color with a hearty tan foam head. Smells are of coffee, chocolate, bourbon, oak and a hint of sweetness. Carbonation is moderate (higher than I anticipated) with a full body. However, it is not the body of a Bourbon County or Parabola, and is more like a Founders Breakfast Stout. The taste is extremely rich and full. Tons of flavors hit you all at once. The roasted malts and chocolate lead, with coffee, caramel, vanilla and roastiness follow. There is a hint of the oak aging, but the other flavors drown that out. The alcohol is hidden extremely well, almost too well. For a 12% beer this thing drinks more like a 6% stout. Wait 20 minutes or so and you'll remember that it's 12%. Finishes on the sweet and malty side, with chocolate and coffee lingering on the tongue.
One heck of a beer from Mystic. Up to this point I really had only had their Saisons, which you know from mine and Kevin's reviews are quite good. This was a whole different level. If I ever see another Mystic stout at the store I will buy them out.
97/100
Not enough Beer Advocate reviews (my review is listed first as of now)
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