This little brewery is a LOT of fun to drink at while I'm in town, but that might be down to the company I'm with. The beer is always very good, but I know that beer tends to have a proximity effect when it comes to the brewery - the closer you are to it, the better the beer. While I was IN the Magic Hat brewery, they could do no wrong. When I tried their beer in an isolated environment at home... it was a different story.
First sip is dour. The fact that this was an imperial stout had slipped my mind until just now, and my mind was slapped back into reality as I realized that this is a serious stout intended for serious people to take seriously. There's no fun being had, and it will ground you into earth like you are the flagpole of the country that The Empire has just taken over. You will be solemnly proud of your new country, dammit!
Tip-in is syrup thick roasted coffee and earth with a sweet layer rising above it. The middle is a smooth mix of earth, smoke, brown sugar, and maybe even a dark fruit. The finish snaps bitter with coffee coming up front and earth stepping on the tongue to hold it down for the bitterness. The trail off gains a hint of vanilla.
Bottom Line: Better as it warms a bit.
2.5/5
