What I am learning with the stouts that I have tried so far from Southern Tier’s Blackwater Series is that the name tells you pretty much what you are in for. There are no secrets when you pull the bottles from the shelf and I think that is a good thing. This one was definitely not an exception.
Continuing on with this STBC February ‘11 . . .
Brewery: Southern Tier Brewing Co. (Lakewood, NY)
Name: Choklat
Style: Russian Imperial Stout (or perhaps more accurately an American Imperial Stout)
ABV: 11.00% (on both website and bottle)
Tasting Notes: Stored in the fridge (and pulled a little early to warm some) and served in a snifter.
Aroma: Deep, dark chocolate aroma with some sweetness and notes of fruit (cherries). A hint of alcohol in there as well. – 9/12
Appearance: Appears black though is dark, dark brown at the edges when held to light. One finger, frothy, thick, light brown color head with pretty good retention and leaving a solid trail. Opaque though can see through edges when held to light. – 3/3
Flavor: Rich bittersweet chocolate flavor up front (and throughout) with some bitterness from middle to finish. Not much depth overall (not necessarily a bad thing) with lingering chocolate flavor at finish. Bitterness is a good thing and necessary to cut sweetness. – 15/20
Mouthfeel: Full body with a moderate (to low) level of carbonation. Fairly smooth with some astringency and some warmth at the finish. – 3/5
Overall Impressions: The flavor is certainly in the name. Intensely flavored, rich, and a slow sipper for sure to the point where I kind of want to float some vanilla ice cream in it. The flavors soften and the mouthfeel becomes more creamy as it warms. The Wife absolutely loves it . . . as much as Mokah. – 7/10
Overall: Very Good – 37/50
Southern Tier Brewing Co. - Choklat
The close up
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