Pours jet black with a motor-oil consistency. This is seriously the thickest looking beer I've come across. The burnt orange head looks very impressive, whilst not hanging around too long. A milk chocolate, sandalwood fragrance is apparent on the nose. Burnt toast, charred wood and leather on the palate. The beer is so viscous and full bodied it gives the sensation of eating a chocolate mousse. Hugely dry, caustic, espresso-like finish. As if that wasn't enough the beer is perfectly balanced, with a whopping 75 IBU somehow holding its own against the fiery malt. This is an exceptional Imperial Russian Stout.
Well, having sampled Nøgne Ø's excellent porter and now this, one of the finest Imperial Russian Stout's I've had the pleasure of tasting, I can really see what all the fuss is about. They do seem to produce uncompromising dark ales which provide a real punch to the palate. Now I'm looking forward to seeing how their lighter, hop-led offerings fare. The beer has won gold and bronze respectively at the 2010 and 2011 Australian International Beer Awards.
- MALTS: maris otter, munich, black, chocolate, roasted barley, oat malt
- HOPS: COLUMBUS, CRYSTAL
- IBU: 75
- O.G.: ~1.092 (23 DEGREES PLATO)
- ABV: 9%`
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I definately recommend their Dark Horizons, if you've not yet had it.
ReplyDeleteNot had it, nope... I'll put it up high on my 'to try' list now thanks. I'm really looking forward to God Jul as Nogne O's dark beers have just blown me away so far! Haven't tried any of their paler, hoppier offerings but Two Captains tops that list thanks to your review. The only downside to Nogne's beers is the expense. Still, its been worth it so far :)
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