Lagunitas Imperial Stout

◎ Appearance

Deep opaque black with mahogany undertones visible only when held to light. A dense, rocky head of tan foam forms with good retention and leaves substantial lacing down the glass as you drink. The body is completely still and impenetrable, befitting the substantial alcohol and roasted grain load.

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with roasted barley and charred grain character, layered with woody smoke and burnt earth. Underneath this bold foundation sit notes of dark chocolate and espresso bean, along with subtle hints of dried plum and fig that suggest the imperial stout's underlying richness. Alcohol warmth is detectable but not aggressive.

◐ Taste

The palate opens with pronounced roast and smoke, building toward a full-bodied malt sweetness in the mid-palate that prevents harshness. Coffee and chocolate notes develop alongside a subtle dark fruit character, while 65 IBUs provide restrained bitterness that frames rather than dominates. The 9.9% alcohol adds warmth and slight drying sensation without roughness.

◑ Finish

The finish is long and warming, with roasted grain and smoke lingering on the palate for several minutes. A gentle astringency from the roasted malts fades into a subtle sweetness reminiscent of molasses and dark stone fruit.