Appearance - 6 | Aroma - 6 | Flavor - 6 | Texture - 4 | Overall - 5.5
Sampled at the Brewing Co., and naturally carbonated (no nitro crap here). I was actually served this beer after I ordered the Imperial Stout and was shocked by how un-Imperial it was...until my beer was replaced with my original order. Alas, I had enough time to rate this dry stout. Not the same beer I remember trying last year at this time, this dry stout was dark brown with a light tan head (unsurprisingly) with a slightly tangy roasted malt character and little else. Very thin-bodied and not complex by any means. Luckily the Imperial Stout arrived in time to save me, even though it wasn't spectacular by any means either. But the Caesar salad was nice.
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...
Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 5 | Flavor - 5 | Texture - 6 | Overall - 6.5
After sampling a few Grand Rapids Brewing ales during "Irishfest," I forgot the names of the seasonals! I've found the name of this one, so here goes my rate. This ale was amber colored with a thin tan/white head. Flavor was, alas, very thin and weak. Grains were discernible, but the body lacked complexity and character. Not an impressive offering. Now...if I can only find the name of their seasonal stout...