Beer Review: Blackout Stout

Reviewing the Blackout Stout by Great Lakes Brewing Company.
Score: 90

2011 vintage bottle served in a brandy snifter.

Appearance: Pours a deep red/brown, with light barely penetrating the perimeter. A thin tan head mostly dissipates upon settle. 4/5

Aroma: A creamy chocolate aroma mixed with sweet red wine. Malty, roasted coffee present towards the end of the aroma. As it warms, faint alcohol presence becomes more apparent. 4/5

Taste: Wow. Very balanced. There is a slight licorice flavor at first, with subtle warmth from the booziness. The warming alcohol does not overwhelm, and it quickly subside for a delectable finish of unsweetened chocolate with a hint of smoky wood flavor. This is a truly delicious Russian imperial stout. The finish lingers, and is slightly sweet. This is the kind of beer that fondly leaves you with a memory of what you just drank. 4.25/5

Mouthfeel: this is a medium-to-full bodied beer with a slight warming sensation. It is not as viscous as an oatmeal stout, but this beer is far from thin. In contrast to the Sasquatch Stout I recently tried (and DO NOT recommend), this is how a stout should feel. 4/5

Overall: This beer is delicious and not too heavy to fill you up after just one. Very balanced and drinkable, certainly worth the price of a four-pack.

Recommendation: I would recommend this beer to beer lovers and casual drinkers alike. It is very smooth, and hides the ABV well, while at the same time providing complex flavors.

Pairing: Dark chocolate cake.

Cost: $12.99 for a four pack.