Aug 29, 2011

Simple Malt Impériale Stout

Mmmm… motor oil

Of the few bottles the Simple Malt brand from Brasseurs Illimités, this 8.1% ABV Imperial Stout was, for me, the best of the bunch. The Altbier was a nice introduction to the company, but this stout… Oh man, this stout… Big, roasty, chocolatey and thick on the palate, the brew was easily the highlight of the bunch.

While the photo above gives you an idea of how this beer poured, it certainly doesn’t do the thick, slow moving liquid that oozed from bottle to glass that much justice. I’m sure you’ve heard folks refer to a bit stout as motor oil in a glass, but this is one of the few times where the beer in question really and truly poured like old engine lubricant. Thankfully, it tastes so much better.

Appearance

This thing pours black as night and thick. The small, dark brown head didn’t stick around too long.

Aroma

Loads of chocolate, roasted black coffee and light licorice will the nose.

Taste

The stout doesn’t quite carry as much dark chocolate as the nose hinted at, but man, the roasted malt and espresso character of the beer comes out in full force as a healthy dose of sweetness keeps it all from overwhelming the palate. The full, viscous mouthfeel slides over the tongue smoothly toward a light bitterness in the dry finish. As the beer warms, further hints of licorice, vanilla and dark fruits come out to play. The higher alcohol level adds a subtle warming sensation.

Overall

For as unique as the brewery’s Altbier was, this stout was even more surprising! I don’t know exactly what I was expecting from this short, little bottle, but it certainly wasn’t the flavorful, dark liquid that I did find. I’m not entirely sure how this one would age, but I’m willing to buy more to find out.

Rating: 4.25/5