XS Imperial Porter

John Maier and Rogue weigh in with this unapologetically intense brew, brimming with notes of café mocha, caramel and sweet fruit. Pours deep brown, almost black, this beer is opaque and throws a colossal, long-lasting brown head. Dark roasted malt aromas dominate the nose, with underlying notes of caramel, treacle, chocolate malted milk ball, black currant, licorice and herbs. The panel praised the finesse in the balance between malt and hop aromas in such an intensely aromatic beer. The flavor lashes the palate with waves of bitter chocolate, light caramel, plums, raisins and black licorice, all followed by a seductive malty sweetness that ties the elements together. A generous hand with the hops ensures that the bitterness is sufficient to counter the sweetness that lingers after the initial roast and coffee flavors subside. Tim noted a slight acidity from the dark malt that balanced nicely with bitter and sweet flavors, and Pete offered praise for the tempting, yet understated hints of chocolate and cocoa powder. This beer has a long finish, with some alcohol warming at the end. Rick was impressed by the cocoa and sherry richness in the finish. This is a bruiser of a beer, with a stunning array of flavors and aromas all working in concert to produce a singularly extraordinary drinking experience. Big and bold, this is a brew to seek out and lay down for a year or so of aging.