Dark Apparition

Dark Apparition by Jackie O’s Brewery was reviewed as BJCP Category 20C Imperial Stout. This is an Imperial Stout with a moderate smell – nothing big, no harsh or burnt smells and not harsh or hot alcohol and not oxidized aromas. It offers dark dried fruit, mild alcohol, a hint of prune, light city roast coffee and a hint of caramel. It is pitch black under a ½” tan cap with fair retention and a trace of legs. The beer radiates smoothness flavored with mild alcohol, dark dried fruit, bittersweet chocolate and traces of medium roast coffee. As the beer warms the chocolate and coffee flavors get richer and more complex and more dark sugar flavors come forward. The beer is full bodied, with lightly creamy medium-low carbonation, smooth – not syrupy – and provides a gentle warmth. The beer offers nothing over the top – except that it is exceptionally well balanced, drinkable and well executed.