Dark Truth is on the shelves now.
Boulevard's new spring seasonal Smokestack, and number 14 in the Smokestack series, is upon us. This 9.7% American Imperial/Double Stout has a
history with last year's Imperial Stout. The recipe was tweaked, so it's similar but
different.
750 ml corked and caged bottle, poured into a my Smokestack tulip glass, quite appropriate. Tall and chunky head, the color of cola foam. Dark tan with a hint of red. Color is a dense cola brown. Light just skirts around the outer edges of the glass, I cannot see into the center.
Smell is a little light at first. It needs to warm up a little to expand. When at the right temperature there is a mild spiciness from the hops that lingers with a dark fruit sweetness. There are some plums, dried dark berries and fig leaves. Espresso bitterness comes in strong with the taste and then shifts to a ghostly raspberry tartness.
Mouthfeel is a little light for an Imperial Stout, but the complexity of flavors makes it an after thought. Carbonation is strong and keeps the flavors agitated. There are tons of layers here. It's easy enough to drink through, but slow down and really explore. Eye popping.
This particular bottle was complementary of the brewery and came with a sample of
Christopher Elbow Chocolates. Are you kidding me? Elbow Chocolates gives one of the most mind blowing, orgasmic taste experiences I've ever had. This sample had a Venezuelan Dark - Dark chocolate ganache of 70% cacao from Venezuela, and a Raspberry - A layer of fresh raspberry pate de fruit topped with a dark chocolate-raspberry infused ganache. OMFG! I still get shudders just thinking about it. I think my favorite was the Raspberry because it blended with the fruitiness of the beer. We also had some Elbow Chocolates left over from Valentines, so I shared a Caramel with Raspberry heart with my wife. Oooh yeah! Do yourself a favor, get a bottle of Dark Truth and some Elbow Chocolates, you will not be disappointed.
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