Southern Tier Choklat

4.3/5

AROMA 10/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 8/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 17/20

22 ounce bottle into snifter, no bottle date. Pours opaque black color with a fairly dense 1 finger tan head with good retention, that reduces to a thin lacing cap. Not much lacing clings to the glass. Aromas of huge milk chocolate, roasted malt, rich caramel, toffee, butterscotch, vanilla, and a bit of spicy hops in the background. Absolutely incredible aromas here, unlike anything I have ever had. Taste of big milk and dark chocolate, caramel, vanilla, cream, bitter espresso, and spicy hops. Fair amount of bitterness noticed on the finish with lingering notes of dark chocolate, vanilla, rich caramel, bitter espresso, and toffee. Medium carbonation and full body; with a creamy and slick mouthfeel that is very nice and smooth. Alcohol is well hidden for 11%, only a warming after the finish noticed. Great drinkability for 11%, but is a sipper for sure. Nice balance of bitterness and sweetness, so it is not overly sweet at all. Overall this is an outstanding and highly enjoyable imperial chocolate stout.

A fantastic imperial stout from Southern Tier as I would have hoped. The whole Blackwater series is amazing.