Southern Tier "Nitro Crème Brûlée" Imperial Milk Stout

Yes, I've talked about the Crème Brûlée from Southern Tier in the past, but this is not a do over. This isn't even a revisit. Instead, this is a version that now has NITRO! Is that possible that will make it better? Well my respectable beer tosser believes it does make it better. I don't personally know yet, but I know I liked the last one, and he claims he can't get the old one anymore. So, I'm looking forward to this with a bit of trepidation.

The black beer is ruby around the edges, and the light tan bubbles are as tiny as they can get. They are going to leave any lacing, but that's not unusual for nitrogen bubbles. What's also not unusual is the fact that the nitrogen takes up a bit of room in the can. This 12 ounce can contains 9.6 fluid ounces. They should really have released this in larger cans. But, with a 10% ABV, I can understand their reasoning. The aroma is delicious. It's got a little cherry on top of the warm mixture of milk, smoke, and spices. This is a dessert beer, and it presents just like it should be dessert.

First sip is very good. It is sweet, creamy, smooth, heavy, and it still manages to put a little bit of bitterness into the flavor. The roasted vanilla is coming out strong, and it is absolutely delightful. Dessert beers should probably be sipped, and I could see sipping this all night long without complaint. Did the Nitro improve it? I think I'll be able to tell better with the proper swig.

Tip-in is gentle carbonation caress with vanilla and maraschino cherries mixed in with heavy cream. The middle unfolds into more of the same, but the sweetness increases with a smoke backing its play nicely. The finish brings a bitter, smokier texture with earth and roasted oats.

Bottom Line: Still a great dessert beer. The nitro seems forced.

3.75/5