Appearance - 6 | Aroma - 6 | Flavor - 7 | Texture - 6 | Overall - 6.5

Rating #500.
Well, this one simply fell into the #500 position; I have a Westvleteren 12 I was saving for the occasion but it's not on hand (and could use extra aging, anyway). This beer was simply listed as "Imperial Stout" on the chalkboard at the brewpub/restaurant and weighs in at 10% ABV. The body is classic Imperial Stout, colored dark brown/black and topped with a quickly dissipating light tan head. Oily mouthfeel. Some roast and dark fruit in the aroma, but the flavor was surprisingly devoid of several key Imperial characteristics, notably coffee and roasted/toasty malt. Only a touch of chocolate was noted. Rather, the flavor profile is largely dominated by caramels and sweet fruit with a "spelt grain" tangy character this brewer's beers all share. Alcohol was subdued. I enjoyed drinking this but can't help but thinking it really doesn't fit the style very well. The London Broil was excellent as always, though...