Name: Dragonslayer Imperial Stout

Brewer: Middle Ages Brewing

Style: Russian Imperial Stout

Vintage: 2008

Cellared On: April 21st, 2008

Original Tasting: June 30th, 2008

There’s no doubt I’m a beer geek. At least if I wasn’t one before, I definitely am one now. I think anybody who can enjoy a powerful stout on a sticky summer night has managed to cross that line.

Dragonslayer Imperial Stout from Middle Ages brewing is the beer that put me over the edge. It poured a jet black with a thick milk chocolate head. There was TONS of chocolate in the smell too, along with plenty of roasted malt and hints of espresso-like astrigency. You couldn’t miss the big boozy feel of this beer either, the alcohol was very prevalent.

After a few swigs, it quickly became apparent there was a whole heck of a lot going on in this brew. Delicious smooth chocolatey malts were quickly overwhelmed by an intense grassy hop bitterness. This bitterness comes in seriously strong, but eventually fades out a bit to combine with the malts to provide an espresso-like feel to the brew. This beer was much dryer then most Imperial Stouts, with only a hint of sweetness to the malt. The espresso-like flavor of the malts and hops were the dominant taste on the finish, but there was also a faint sour twang there too. Very cool!

And that big boozy smell I mentioned before? I couldn’t taste a bit of it. Very cool again!

Cellar Outlook: With powerful flavors, and a 9.5% abv, it should hold up pretty well for awhile. I wouldn’t even mind the hops calming down a bit, I think this beer has a lot to offer behind all of the bitter flavors.

Next Tasting: October 2008

Jason

jason@brewbasement.com

www.brewbasement.com