Great Lakes Brewing Company – Blackout Stout

Great Lakes Brewing Company – Blackout Stout

Russian Imperial Stout
BJCP Style:  13F. Russian Imperial Stout
ABV: 9%
Bottle
Best By Date: 5/8/15
Tasting on: 2/19/15
Glass: Stemmed Stout

Aroma: Overtones of milk chocolate, coffee and salted soft pretzel.  Undertones of caramel and cocoa, with a sensation of freshness.  9/10

Appearance: Black with ruby highlights. Tan head with moderate retention. 9/10

Flavor: Rich malt sweetness begins the beer, followed by chocolate and raisan in the middle. Caramel and dark fruit (notably cherry) show up in the end, along with hop bitterness.  Caramel, raisan and some hop bitterness linger in the aftertaste.  17.5/20

Mouthfeel: Medium-full body with moderate carbonation. Warming alcohol noticeable but not harsh. 9/10

Overall Impression: A good Russian Imperial Stout with a varied, but subdued (even when allowed to warm), malt profile that is a bit too sweet at times.   43.5/50

Final Score: 88%