Lickinghole Creek One Lion Imperial Stout
I love stouts like Lickinghole Creek’s One Lion Imperial Stouts. The beer is fairly big (8.3% ABV) and presents itself quite well with a flavor profile that isn’t polarizing, but also isn’t for everybody. Drinking more like an export stout, this offering from the Virginia brewery is earthy and robust — not at all smooth or desert-like when compared to some more popular beers in this style realm.
It’s that robustness that pulled me in with the first couple of sips. A solid amount of charred malt, roast coffee, anise, a touch of cocoa and warming alcohol present themselves in just about equal measure with each sip of this full bodied, viscous stout. The flavor and overall character of One Lion is hearty as the stout finishes with a touch of dryness and decent warmth. A lingering touch of cigar tobacco comes out a bit over time as the beer warms in the glass.
As stated a few sentences ago, this stout is not going to be for everyone. It’s robustness may put off a few folks, but I’m sure that fans of such brews will gladly pick up the slack in that regard. Not only do I really get a kick out of earthy stouts like One Lion, but this particular brew also sends a portion of its proceeds to Jamaica to help with producing clean water. Sounds like a win-win in my book — I get to beat up my liver with a tasty imperial stout and help folks out at the same time.