Rummaging through the cellar I found a bottle of Hardywood Sidamo Coffee Stout. I am not sure when we acquired the bottle, but it was likely at least two years old.
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| Perfect for sharing |
This Russian Imperial Stout is brewed with locally roasted Ethiopia Sidamo coffee. As soon as I poured I was hit by the aroma of rich roasted coffee. It even looked amazing in the glass; the deep black beer is topped by a short-lived tan head. As I passed the glasses out to Colleen and "Checkered Flag" they both commented immediately on the aroma.
Roasted malt was the predominate flavor. It was backed by coffee and a hint of vanilla and bitter chocolate. The mouthfeel was creamy and smooth. This is definitely an easy sipping beer and I sipped up my share in short time.
This was a most excellent beer and a fitting treat for an afternoon of relaxation. The 9.3% ABV undoubtedly contributing to another rare, but enjoyable pleasure — the afternoon nap.
I'll confess that while I like stout, or at least some stouts, both Russian Imperial Stout and Coffee stout are amongst my most disliked brews.
ReplyDeleteI once ordered a Russian Imperial Stout while killing time at the Salt Lake City airport. . . I figured it was 3% ABV like Guinness, more or less. Ack. Too bitter and too strong.
I am not much on "standard" stouts. (Guinness is only good in Ireland IMHO.) However, a strong imperial stout, especially when aged in bourbon barrels, is delightful on a cool night in front of a fire.
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