I'm trying to get better with updating this blog more often. I'm gonna start it off with a much overdue tasting--Ten FIDY, a Russian Imperial Stout from Oskar Blues. Oskar Blues is one of the few craft breweries that package their beer in cans, and kudos to them for doing it! Check out my post on light struck beer, and you'll understand why cans are actually the best packaging for beer.
Aroma: An initial blast of dark chocolate and coffee. After getting past the roasty notes, there's hints of dark fruits. No noticeable hop aroma.
Appearance: Almost jet black with a beautiful dark brown head (though the head retention was not great).
Flavor: Roasty flavors dominate with a background biscuity maltiness. Some fruity esters are apparent in the flavor as in the aroma. Despite having a whopping 98 IBUs (International Bittering Units), the beer is incredibly well-balanced and is even slightly sweet on the finish.
Mouthfeel: Thick and slick on the tongue. Extremely warming (it should be at 10% ABV) with a very mild carbonation level. Some astringency is noticeable, but that can be expected with so much roasted grain being used.
Overall Impression: A full bodied, well-balanced Russian Imperial Stout. Despite the high ABV and IBUs, the beer is wonderfully smooth and drinkable. Definitely a must have for the approaching winter months--this will keep you warm on a cold day! Plus it comes in a can, and we all know that everyone likes it in the can!
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