Review: Imperial Choklat Stout (Southern Tier Brewing Company)

I stumbled across this beer when visiting my favorite bottle shop, doing some shopping for a Secret Santa gift exchange.  I've always enjoyed everything that Southern Tier has brewed so far, and this beer is certainly no exception.  Keith and I tasted this one together during our brewday, and we both thoroughly enjoyed this stout.

11% ABV

2-row barley, caramel 60, flaked barley, bittersweet Belgian chocolate, Chinook and Williamette hops.

Aroma:  Rich and pungent notes of Belgian chocolate, with a subtle aroma from the Chinook and Williamette hops.  Coffee and roasted grain.  A very slight alcoholic nose that sneaks through the chocolate and coffee.

Appearance:  Mahogany highlights at the edge of the glass.  Tawny head that settles to a slight but persistent cap with generous lacing present during the session.  

Flavor:  Living up to its name as a chocolate stout, Choklat delivers huge chocolate flavor without being cloying.  The Belgian bittersweet chocolate offers a pleasant drying sensation in the mouth.  Firm hop bitterness (Chinook and Williamette).  When reading the label, I was surprised by the inclusion of Chinook hops; but, it really works well here complimenting the drying bitterness of the chocolate and accentuating the sweet notes.   The hefty alcohol is well disguised.

Mouthfeel:  Luxurious and lush mouthfeel.  Finishes dry.

General Impression:  A deeply satisfying and special dessert stout.  Decadent and rich, this is one to sip slowly and enjoy in the company of dear friends at the close of a perfectly executed meal.