750mL older batch with critters, shared by Cquiroga at PP 12 Hour Belgian Fest on 3/24/07
Still manages a fair amount of light tan head that recedes to cover and provides some web-like lacing. Clarity was medium-high with a chocolate brown color and dark maroon-garnet tints on the edges.
Vinous nose has both prunes and plums from dark malt but also tartness from wild yeast. Definitely (at least partly) a lactic infection, which has kicked out some nice acidity. It nestles in right next to the lovely chocolate and dry roastiness while smoother pale malt sugars, no doubt rather thinned out by this point and some soothing vanilla notes help lightly buffer the tartness. Cherries and raisins quite succulently ooze forth on the finish as well, with light cola and caramel suggestions. Very complex, and despite the lactic notes, still manages some softness. Pretty minimally phenolic, at least considering the unplanned infection and with no tacky oxidation or soy-like flavors, nor any dull ashiness. Still quite a strong nose, with little/no alcohol apparency.
A hint of light chocolate cake quickly mixes with some lighter cola-like notes and prunes and plums and raisins quickly emerge. Strong chocolate and creamy vanilla base of sweetness is slowly eroded as the beer continues and finishes, ending moderately tart, quite dry and with only a medium amount of chocolate malt roastiness. The lactic notes are not overpowering, however, though they are definitely an integral part of the beer. Very well attenuated, moreso than intended, of course, but I love it. Very dry and tart, but with enough chocolate, vanilla, roast and vinousness to define the beer as an Imperial Stout. Carbonation does not last very long, but because of the dryness, the resulting concentration of flavors does not cloy or overpower. Alcohol is well-concealed. Lighthearted cherry-chocolate-vanilla cola with lactic notes and dry roast. Can’t beat that combo. No doubt a bit tired now, but it’s easy to see how incredibly brilliant this must have been a couple of years ago and that is more where my score is coming from. Interested to try the new batch, but I’ll probably keep the score from this batch, since I enjoyed the lactic aspect so much.
Thanks so much for opening this, Chris!

Bottle via trade with Markus (bu11zeye); many thanks! Deep charcoal-brown body, thick, puffy tan head, creamy and persistent. Fruity, sweet, roasty aroma with notes of plum, molasses, and roasted malts. The flavor was pretty much everything expected from an Imperial Stout, in nice balance, with a tart fruity beginning (plum, other dark fruits, brown sugar, soy), chocolate, coffee (although subdued), and big roasted malts in the finish. Earthy, somewhat bitter hops subdued by the big malts. The palate is very reminiscent of a Belgian ale, with the smooth, silky, tart body and tight, crisp carbonation. Fruitier and a bit sweeter than most Imperial Stouts with a more subtle hops profile. Excellent, complex, rich. An Imperial Stout that breaks the familiar mold.