22 oz bottle that was purchased at Tower on Piedmont. Gold foiled neck and one of those thicker, higher quality labels that wraps the whole bottle. May have been $7.99. I’ve passed on this one a few times, decided to take the plunge a couple of weeks ago.
Went for an unconvential glass and put this one into the Tucher Weizen 500 mL – all beers look great in that glass.
Pour is black – I mean black! A few red highlishts at the extreme edges, but barely there.
Head is minimal, but it fades to a nice, 1/8 of an inch layer on the beer which is persistent and creamy. Almost no lace.
The beer has some, licorice, dark notes and a touch of roastiness but all in all it’s rather light. The word “Imperial” is a little misplaced here. Some light soap present as well.
If you are looking for a deep, high alcohol, massive, Imperial Porter then you are going to be disappointed. If like me, you enjoy tasty beers that are more managable and drinkable then this “Imperial” beer will be a refreshing and very drinkable change. The body is also light for the style, but again this adds to the drinkability for me.
I bet a lot of people will be disappointed in this beer, but not me. Good, simplier than expected, stuff.