It is very exciting to read the label of a beer and really not know exactly what to expect when you drink it. Ending up with flavors that you have never experienced before is even better. I don’t always end up loving the beer, but I am never regretful for having tried it. The Wife thought the aroma of this one was fantastic but put her sample down immediately after one sip, comparing it to a flavor of burnt plastic. My review is much more favorable. That is just another example of how two people who enjoy beer can have extremely different opinions on the same brew.
Brewery: Dogfish Head Craft Brewery (Milton, Delaware)
Name: Immort Ale
Style: Strong Ale (American but with Belgian yeast?)
ABV: 11.0%
Tasting Notes: Stored in the fridge, allowed to warm and served in an oversized wine glass (snifter-like). $3.99 for 12oz.
Aroma: Malty sweetness with dark fruit (prunes/currants) aromas. Smoky earthiness (woody notes from barrel aging).
Appearance: Coppery brown color (maple syrup-like). Slight cream/light tan color head with moderate retention leaving some trail. Clear with many tiny bubbles visible.
Flavor: Strong maltiness with molasses-like sweetness. Smooth smokiness (similar to aroma) and a hint of vanilla. Balance to malt (no real hop profile). Additional complexity from barrel aging?
Mouthfeel: Medium (toward full) body with pretty high carbonation (without bite). Slight creaminess with even warmth in back.
Overall Impressions: Interesting, complex flavors. Not something I would have more than one (or two) of. Probably not a beer that I would buy again, but I am very glad to have tried it (just not really a great match for my palate).
Grade: B (ish)
The entry point
Dogfish Head - Immort Ale
Dogfish Head - Immort Ale
So I did it, I tried the Immort Ale. Better than expected from your review, to some extent. I found that it actually had a quick dispersion of flavor or close to none other than a hit of alcohol at the end, similar to the 60 min, 90 min, and 120 IPA’s without the bitterness. Good call though, I would do it again, and again, and again, (it was better than CATS!, that was my fem side coming out) if i planned on getting a buzz quick. By the way, Big C has what you are looking for, the Black Chocolate Stout and Seasonal Winter Brew are out by Brooklyn Brewery. Considering the Stout, which I most definitely picked up, is much smoother and has less of a bite then last years vintage, and you know my vintages for the BCS, they are lined up since the ’98-’99 brew waiting for some occasion to drink all of them. I can’t wait for the Monster Ale by Brooklyn, it will knock your socks off. Here’s to the Chin.