Schlafly Reserve Imperial Stout (2010)

The Saint Louis Brewery
St. Louis, MO

APPEARANCE: 2.25/3
Black-opaque, with a thin almond head that fades quickly.

AROMA: 3.25/4
Vanilla, molasses, bourbon. Oaky alcohol. Quite aromatic.

TASTE: 7.5/10
Hop/Malt Balance: 3.25/4: Prune, bourbon/alcohol. Oak, woody notes. Chocolate, caramel, toffee, licorice notes.
Aftertaste: 2.25/3: Bourbon taste lingers, nice lingering bitterness.
Mouth-Feel: 2/3: Alcohol tingle on the tongue, warming. Very smooth.

OVERALL: 2.5/3: Bourbon, oak, stout. Big, sipping beer—sophisticated.

TOTAL: 15.5/20–Pour Me Another

NOTES:
Matt: Sweet—caramel, toffee, chocolate. And boozy! A big imperial stout—winter is here, this will keep you warm.
Ben: A winter warmer, good to enjoy with Santa on Christmas Eve. Big, boozy, bourbony. Watch out—at 10.5%, this will sneak up on you.