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Michael Heniff's picture

Judge's Review: 95 Rating - Black Is Beautiful by Pontoon Brewing

September, 2020

Black is Beautiful (Pontoon)

Black is Beautiful (Pontoon)

Black Is Beautiful, Pontoon Brewing
Description 

This beautiful, deep black-hued Imperial Stout came about as a call to action for breweries, big or small, to help spread the message that black is beautiful and that more needs to be done to stop systemic racism in this country. With notes of decadent dark chocolate, smooth caramel, subtle smoke, and medium roasted coffee swirl around on top of a thick malt base. We decided to add graham cracker, coffee from Black and Bold, chocolate, and pecans to make a chocolate lasagna version of Black is Beautiful!

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
10.0%
IBUs: 
20
Served at: 
60º F

 

 


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Judges Rating: 
95
Aroma: 
22 / 24
Appearance: 
6 / 6
Flavor: 
38 / 40
Mouthfeel: 
10 / 10
Overall Impression: 
19 / 20

Black is Beautiful Imperial Stout by Pontoon Brewing is a flavored Imperial Stout and is being evaluated as a Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beer (category 30A in the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beers should have a harmonious balance between the spices, herbs or vegetables with the base beer style. Imperial Stouts are the strongest beers in the stout family. Imperial Stouts are noted for their strong, rich chocolate and roasted malt flavors, black color with opaque clarity, full body and smooth mouthfeel. Black is Beautiful was brewed with cocoa, coffee and vanilla and measures in at 10% ABV.

Black is Beautiful pours black in color, is opaque and sports a medium brown head. The aroma is strong chocolate, coffee and roasted malt complemented by moderately strong vanilla notes. The flavor is a strong, rich blend of chocolate, coffee and roasted malt with lighter vanilla flavors and a slight sweetness. The mouthfeel is smooth and creamy with a medium-full body. The beer finishes with elements of rich chocolate, coffee, roasted malt and vanilla.

Black is Beautiful Imperial Stout is an excellent Imperial Stout. The cocoa, coffee and vanilla complement the dark malt flavors well resulting is a rich, complex stout. A light sweetness makes this Imperial Stout dangerously quaffable. Despite being 10% ABV, the alcohol is never perceived in the aroma or flavor. Be sure to seek out this exceptional Imperial Stout.