Narwhal
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Story by:
BC Review
Imperial Stout
Special Release
California
United States
Judges Ratings 89
Aroma: 24 / 24
Flavor: 35 / 40
Appearance: 6 / 6
Mouthfeel: 7 / 10
Overall Impression: 17 / 20
Description
Narwhal Imperial Stout is inspired by the mysterious creature that thrives in the deepest fathoms of the frigid Arctic Ocean. Featuring incredible depth of malt flavor, rich with notes of espresso, baker’s cocoa, roasted grain and a light hint of smoke, Narwhal is a massive malt-forward monster. Aggressive but refined with a velvety smooth body and decadent finish, Narwhal will age in the bottle for years to come.
Beverage Profile
ABV: 10.20%
IBUs: 60
Served at: (42° to 44°)
Hops: Magnum, Challenger.
Malts: Two-Row Pale, Caramel, Chocolate, Honey, Carafa, Roasted Barley.
Judges Review
By Owen Ogletree
Judges Ratings 89
Aroma: 24 / 24 / 24
Flavor: 35 / 40 / 40
Appearance: 6 / 6 / 6
Mouthfeel: 7 / 10 / 10
Overall Impression: 17 / 20 / 20
This is a thick, luxurious, opaque, deep black stout with a moderately dark head. Mild fruity esters of cherries and blackberries mingle with the dominant fragrances of roasted malt and brown sugar, while rich, sweet flavors of dark malts, creamy espresso and milk chocolate follow up on the palate. Any hop aroma, flavor and bitterness are almost lost in the dark landscape of this opulent stout and the roasty aftertaste closes with a slightly sweet footnote. Warm up this high-gravity beer in an oversized tulip glass cupped in both hands and experience its evolution into what could almost be described as an imperial sweet stout that emerges as clean, smooth and surprisingly approachable.
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