Samuel Smith's Imperial Stout

Samuel Smith's Imperial Stout is a little light on the alcohol for the "imperial" designation. More of a simple stout to me, given its 7% alcohol. At best a strong stout, which is actually how it is characterized on the back of the label. But whatever you call it, it's a handsome black ale topped with a luxe and extremely durable tan head. The stuff in question is brewed by Samuel Smith's at the "Old Brewery" in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, England and it's sold in 550mL bottles crowned with golden foil.

The beer has a sweet and heavy aroma that contains suggestions (assertions even) of molasses and roasted malt. This pattern is reproduced in the flavour, which is malty, and built with significant heft in the form of bittersweet molasses notes. There are also a few notes of leather and raisin somewhere in the mix.

This beer proved flavourful, but too sweet by half. I'd have liked to see a heartier hops profile in evidence toward the finish to really seal the deal. A well made brew nonetheless, and one I'd be happy to revisit periodically.

Rating: 7.0 out of 10.