Sam Adams Long Shot Five Crown Imperial Stout
Of the three brews that were in this six pack of Sam Adams Long Shot winners, this 8.9% ABV Imperial Stout was the one that I was looking forward to the most. The dunkel that started off the tasting was pretty darn good, but due to my love for stouts, Five Crown Imperial Stout had a higher level of expectation.
In the end, the brew carries a solid roast and chocolate character, but didn’t wow me as much as I was hoping for. Still, it was my favorite of the trio that I sampled.
Appearance
The pour on this beer is beyond enticing. The brew sits thick and black in the glass with a massive dark brown head that fell gently to a sticky lacing.
Aroma
Dark roast malt, cocoa, dark coffee and a slight touch of anise and subtle sweetness all combine smoothly for a clean nose.
Taste
The flavor profile is right along with the nose but with a more pronounced alcohol presence. Rich and malty, the beer has a solid roast malt and dark chocolate character with the slightest hint of hop bitterness in the lingering and dry finish. The mouthfeel is full and thick as the beer passes over the tongue. As the beer warms you get a little molasses, as well.
Overall
Maybe I was expecting much more from this beer, but it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. It’s a solid brew that’ actually deceptively drinkable, but it wasn’t as deep or as layered with flavors as many imperial stouts are. Regardless, both bottles in the six pack disappeared rather quickly.
Rating:3.75/5