Founders Imperial Stout

Today I have Founders' Imperial Stout in my glass. I'll be tasting this one in four sessions, since I bought a four pack of it. I don't have a single favorite beer, but I do get especially excited each year when this one comes out. I can't say I've had anything else quite like it. Perfection from the label (featuring a Russian style eagle) to the last drop. Just don't make the mistake of pouring yourself a second. In my experience that's just too much flavor. Overwhelms the taste buds. But the first bottle is delightful.

Founders chooses to make their Imperial Stout with loads of hops, but I wouldn't say it's at all reminiscent of a black IPA (as I found with Victory Beer's Storm King). Instead, the massive hopping seems to add another layer of texture into a beer centered around 10 different roasted malts. The result is sublime.

Founders Imperial Stout pours dark as sin, with a quickly settling tan head. There's plenty of coffee and roasted malt on the nose. One of my favorite things about this beer is the way it doesn't need to age for a minute to be palatable. Other Russian Imperial Stouts need a few months to cool off before consumption. By contrast, Founders is delicious fresh out the gate, and I prefer it good and fresh.

Founders Imperial Stout is big, black, smooth, and rich on the tongue. It's got a nice little kick at the end to let you know it's not too smooth. This one ages fast; let it sit for a few months and it slowly morphs into a different beer. The hops subside. It becomes a little more like all the other excellent Imperial Stouts. At the end of the day, y'all can keep your Ten Fidy, I'm going to stick with Founders Imperial Stout.

Bjorn.

Editor's note: Bullshit he doesn't have a favorite. Yes he does. This is it.

Central Water's Space Ghost

Today I have in my glass, Space Ghost from Central Waters.  Before diving in I will say this:  I have a little experience with peppered beers, and some have been favorites (Mikkeller Chipotle Porter, I'm looking at you) while others were less exceptional.  I was intrigued when I first heard of this one, but intimidated by the thought of anything made with ghost peppers.  This came recommended by a friend who professed it to be "not too hot but really good," so Scott, I'm going to hunt you down after drinking this and either give you a hug or a punch in the face.  I think that's fair.  Pours out plenty dark, with a decent finger of mocha head.  Noses peppered chocolate, though not too hot.  I'm digging it so far.  There's a definite burn to this one, more subtle initially and building in the finish, lingering in the back of my mouth long after I swallow.  I've never had anything like this before. I don't think I would buy another, but I am glad to have this one.  I think the nose is probably my favorite part, and the finish my least favorite, but overall I like this one much more than I dislike it.  Scott, you get neither a hug nor a punch, but you can take a high five if you want it.

Sierra Nevada Hop Hunter IPA

Today I have Sierra Nevada's Hop Hunter in my glass. I do like Sierra Nevada on the whole. Not every beer, not every time, but I've enjoyed a good number of their offerings over the years. Hop Hunter sounds like it could go either way.

It sounds fairly close to Lagunitas' Hop Stoopid, which is the only other beer I've had which used hop oil instead of physical hops. I've had mixed reactions to Hop Stoopid, so I'm curious but wary. Beer pours out golden, with a decent head. Noses strong, but soft hops, piney and thick. Nose is deceptive, though. This one seems a bit weak and watery. Hops seem indistinctly present, as if behind a curtain. Hops come through a bit more on the finish, but overall I'd say this is a lackluster effort.

It is, however, a drinkable and not unenjoyable beer. Inoffensive at worst and best. I suppose all things considered, it's not bad for the price. It's not a bad budget beer option, but it wouldn't be my first pick.

Saturday Bonus Post

I thought I would share a photo of last week's review, as it was sent to me. This is how a lot of them look when I get them from Bjorn.

Josephine.

Great Lakes Chillwave

Today I have Great Lakes Chillwave in my glass. Chillwave sounds like a dumb name to me, but evidently I'm having more trouble with the word "lakes." LAKES. LAKES LAKES LAKES [Imagine this all in red ink. - Josephine.]

Okay, that's better. Great Lakes' Chillwave is made using Mosaic hops, which are all the rage now. Mosaic are a little funkier than some of the other varieties out there. I read a review a while ago comparing the smell of this beer to cat urine, so I'm trying not to think about that. Frankly, I think this smells pretty good. Not at all like the basement of my childhood home.

It tastes good, too. I recommend this beer if you like weird IPA beer. Just look past the dumb name and that thing about cat piss. Granted, I don't think I would want to drink this beer every day but it's definitely worth trying. Damn weird though. Maybe that does taste like feline urine. I mean, probably not. I can't quite put my finger on it.

You should try this one just try try it. Think one is enough for me though. Could be interesting in a series trying beers that highlight different hops strains.