OK, so in November you read that I was able to get some Black Albert to Louisiana and it finally came in December. Finally I got around to drinking mine a couple days ago. I was gonna go into this long and winded story about how the beer was specially brewed by De Struise Brouwers for Ebenezers Pub in Maine and blah, blah, blah but The Beer Wench beat me to it and well, let's be honest, she did a better job than I could ever do. So, if you want some great and detailed info regarding Black Albert you can read it on her site. Click on her name and it'll take you there! On to my review!!!
Brewery: De Struise Brouwers
Beer: Black Albert
Style: Russian Imperial Stout
ABV: 13%
Recommended Glassware: Pint Glass or Snifter
Serving Type: Pint Glass
Appearance: This beer poured very dark, black. Not much of a head present but what was there was tan. Lacing was present but minimal.
Smell: Huge smells of coffee and chocolate with nice subtle hints of tobacco and dark fruits.
Taste: Coffee tastes dominate here but there are nice hints of chocolate and fruits. Mild hop profile which presents itself about midpalate. Again a slight hint of tobacco makes itself known.
Mouthfeel: This beer has a medium body with little carbonation. The beer comes across very velvet-y(is that a word?).
Overall: Overall this is a great beer but man the $10 bottle price(for an 11.2 oz bottle) and the hype surrounding it seemed a bit much. I felt North Coast Old Rasputin RIS was just as good for a hell of a lot cheaper. Obviously now I will need to buy a bottle of both and do a side by side tasting. Darn for me.
Score:
4 out of 5 Buddhas
