Barrel aged Imperial Stout
Green Flash Brewing Co.
10.1% ABV
A limited, one time release from Fall 2010, sampled with almost an year on it courtesy of ever generous Ron (Romulux). What an extra! Thank you very much. Poured into a 25 oz snifter.
Pours in a very dark brown, borderline black, velvety stream and a surprisingly robust dark khaki head forms atop the beer. The head retention and lacing are more than good for a barrel aged stout.
Smells... sweaty?! Aside from this off aroma that disappeared soon, and might as well have been my imagination, the smell is strong vanilla and laid back chocolate. Rich and dessert like. Maybe with a side of coffee. Sweet booze creeps in with warmth, but is never ever fusel/hot.
The taste is very very chocolaty with ample vanilla, accentuated by the silky and luxurious texture of the beer. Dollops of bitterness come at the back of the palate leaving behind plenty of dark chocolate and coffee aftertaste. Notes of alcohol ring in the nose along with the long and relatively clean finish.
The texture, as pointed out, is luxurious with a very balanced body that is not cloying but carries the flavors with ease and the understated carbonation that gives the beer life without making it too bubbly.
Hands down the best beer I have had in a month or two, and certainly one of the better ones of an year that saw BCS Rare and Kate! A gem not so talked about, but a great stout with something that lacks among many beers of its kind --- balance! This beer, named after the brewmaster Chuck Silva, is a testament to his skill. Great job!
Appearance 4.5/5; Aroma 3.5/5; Taste 4.5/5; Mouthfeel 5/5; Overall 4.5/5
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