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Rodney A. Tillinghast's picture

Stillwater is Nothing Big Bunny is Everything

August, 2016
Judges Rating: 
93
Aroma: 
23 / 24
Appearance: 
6 / 6
Flavor: 
38 / 40
Mouthfeel: 
8 / 10
Overall Impression: 
18 / 20

I poured this midnight-dark brew quite vigorously, and a dark tan foam cap rose swiftly to the brim of my snifter. It receded quickly, like a beach wave, and left a cola-colored liquid behind. After letting it warm a bit, very pleasant aromas of cacao nibs, burnt toast and dark, roasted coffee arose from the glass. A very minor alcohol note also caught my nose. The brew featured a prominent, almost intense, chocolate flavor that was quite smooth, with very limited hop bitterness and no perceptible hop flavor. It finished with a terrifically smooth roastiness, almost slick, enhanced by a relatively low carbonation level. Compared to other imperial stouts, this offered none of the acrid, sharp bitterness typical of the style. Overall, this is a fine dessert-like sipper.