OMFG - Beer Review Series - The Epic Stout Tasting

The results are back from the stout tasting. We sampled 5 stouts over the weekend and based on the verbal approvals I received from the folks trying these amazing beers I would rank them as follows:

6. Mikkeller Black Hole – Good solid beer but lacks the complexity of the other offerings. 

· Jet black and no head formation to speak of. Smelled of coffee (coffee grounds, even), vanilla, dried fruit, red licorice and alcohol. Slight smokiness. 

Tasted pretty much as it smelled, and I found Black Hole far too sweet to be drinkable. In an attempt to trick myself into enjoying it I tried to put it into context with similarly sweet drinks like port or dessert wines but without the acidity it didn't hold up. The lactic, dairy-creamer attributes were off-putting as well. Mouthfeel was thick and oily with very little carbonation. 

5. Barrel Aged B.O.R.I.S the destroyer – I was a big fan of the balance with this beer. It could easily take the number 4 spot, but due to the fast DFH Bitches brew was more drinkable I bumped it down. 

· Whiskey is apparent from the moment it touches the tongue and is prevalent throughout the tasting. There are distinctive notes of toffee and molasses, and these elements, coupled with the lack of detectable hops, help to make this marginally sweeter than normal BORIS. At the same time, the bourbon aging works to mitigate the sugary side.

4. Dogfish Head Bitches brew – Sweet, different, good. Still does not compare to the other offerings
· The taste has smooth chocolate and caramel backed up with lesser notes of coffee. the honey shines through the darker flavors with a sweet floral aspect. the licorice/rootbeer follows up with an herbal note, that i can't quite put my finger on, and the smoke sneaking in at the back and aftertaste. the finish is nice and long.

3. Mikkeller Beer Geek Breakfast – Very well rounded, heavy handed on the coffee but very drinkable.
· Roasty aroma with coffee and chocolate. Flavor has loads of espresso, roasted malts, and chocolate. Medium-heavy bodied, and a good bitter finish.

2. Mikkeller Wine barrel aged black hole – Impressive, complex, boozy, amazingness.
· Poured a dark black in color w/ a bubbly one finger head that left heavy lacing on the glass. Appearance was awesome! Nose was of roasted malts, dark fruits, and wine in your face. Taste was of chocolate roasted notes, a touch of coffee and vanilla, with a finish of bitter hop bite and vinous cabernet/merlot wine. Mouthfeel was medium bodied w/ nice amounts of carbonation

1. Old Rasputin Barrel aged XI – Very drinkable, well rounded great beer (consumed the fastest by all)
· Pours jet black with a tan head - The aroma translates to the taste. Upfront I pick up a mellow bourbon flavor. Not overpowering in anyway. Just enough to let you know it's there. Immediately following oak touches the palate accompanied by a coconut explosion. When combined with the vanilla attributes it almost gives off a marshmallow-like flavor. Heavenly. Finishes extremely smooth and delicate. Full mouthfeel and nice viscosity. Overall the best IMO of the ones we tasted.

Cheers!
Ryan