Lava Smoked Imperial Stout
I was lucky enough to have the kind folks at Vanberg & DeWulf (founders of Ommegang Brewery) send me a package of new beer that they are brining to U.S. soil. The first is brewed by Olvisholt Brugghus from Iceland. It’s a 9.4% ABV smoked Imperial Stout that will be my first product from the land of fjords and geysers.
The beer was opened up after dinner on Saturday, it’s rich roast and dark chocolate character certainly fitting the bill for a relaxing evening. What I found interesting, however, wasn’t the smoke. It was a baltic porter like character that I found within the beer’s depths — slightly sweet and with a bit of acidity on the back-end. All in all, it was a pleasure to drink.
Appearance
Lava pours black with a full, mocha head that fell slowly.
Aroma
Roast coffee, light campfire smoke, a waft of dark chocolate, an earthy character and subtle sweetness all come together nicely.
Taste
I’m not sure if my nose was a little stuffy (affecting my palate) or not, but I found the smoke to be a bit distant, sort of like catching the scent of a campfire that’s out of site. I found this lower level of smoke to be more fitting to the beer’s overall earthy character. It coexisted well with notes of dark roast coffee, chocolate and a touch of alcohol that first greets the tongue. There’s a decent bit of sweetness initially that fades smoothly to that baltic porter-like, ground coffee acidity in the lingering finish. The mouthfeel is slick as it rolls through.
Overall
I thoroughly enjoyed not only this beer, but the opportunity to sample something from a country that I have not previously had anything from. The lighter smoke on the roasted malt was a nice touch that showed a measure of restraint on the brewer’s part, allowing it to temper the sweetness that comes with the Imperial Stout style. Rich, roasty and warming, Lava turned out to be quite a treat indeed.
Rating: 4.25/5
This is a review of a promotional sample received from the beer’s importer.