Judge’s Review: 91 Rating – Sumo Sumatra Imperial Stout by Austin Brothers Beer Co.

Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beer | Limited Release | United States

By Pat Mulloy

Judges Rating: 91
Aroma: 22
Appearance: 5
Flavor: 37
Mouthfeel: 8
Overall Impression: 19

Sumo Sumatra Imperial Stout by Austin Brothers Beer Co. was judged as BJCP 2021 style 30A, Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beer.
This imperial stout is rested on Sumatra coffee, cocoa nibs and Madagascar vanilla beans and provides rich, alternating coffee, cocoa and roasty vanilla aromas that enhance rich, roasted aromas from the malt and dark dried fruit esters from the fermentation. The alcohol aromas and flavors are clean and smooth and not hot or harsh. The flavors evoke a fresh chocolate brownie served with a cup of coffee. The beer dances on the edge of too sweet but deftly pulls back. The added spices provide balance and character but do not dominate. All the beer’s various parts work well together and support each other. The moderately carbonated, mildly chewy body gently warms as you drink it. The brewer adroitly fuses coffee, cocoa nibs and vanilla bean with a big imperial stout carriage to produce a luscious dessert beer to sip and savor. Some time in a barrel or some age on this beer will temper the dessert character and bring the beer to new levels.