Belô Petroleum

Aromas of chocolate-covered raisins, coffee and deep roasted malts is followed by alcohol that shows up as it warms. All of this is joined by notes of tobacco and hints of smoke. In terms of appearance, this is a black hole in a glass – light does not pass through. A creamy brown foam stand eventually drops to a thin, creamy cap. The flavor is full of bitter chocolate and dark roasted malts that stay clear of being acrid. Nothing in the way of hops are detected but with this much roast, they are not missed. Dark dried fruits and tobacco appear mid-palate with a slight smoke lingering in the finish alongside an interesting alcohol component – overall, this is wonderfully complex, featuring a full body that is just shy of viscous. The medium-low carbonation aids in the creaminess, coating the mouth like a chocolate bar and leaves you warm and cozy. Overall, this stouts gets a “wow!” You won’t experience an Imperial Stout with much more complexity, and unlike many, it remains drinkable to the end. In fact, I want another right now!