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Michael Heniff's picture

Ground Control

July, 2016
Judges Rating: 
95
Aroma: 
23 / 24
Appearance: 
6 / 6
Flavor: 
37 / 40
Mouthfeel: 
10 / 10
Overall Impression: 
19 / 20

This Imperial Stout is brewed with Oregon hazelnuts, star anise and cocoa nibs then aged in Old Forester Bourbon barrels for four months. If that isn’t quite enough, this beer is part of the Ninkasi Space Program (NSP); the ale yeast used in this beer has survived a trip to space and back! The aroma is rich and complex as expected: roasted malt, vanilla, toasted oak, chocolate, dark caramel, anise and a hint of bourbon. The body is full and very smooth with a nice, creamy texture. The rich flavor begins with dark chocolate, layered with roasted malt, vanilla, bourbon, toasted oak before finishing with spicy anise, which helps to temper the light sweetness. A light and pleasant warmth greets the drinker at the finish with a lingering, rich dark chocolate character complemented by vanilla and toasted oak. This Imperial Stout is just as rich and complex as billed. Enjoy this beer gently chilled from a snifter glass.