Beer Review: Canadian Breakfast Stout

For BEER REVIEW #100*(!), which just so happened to fall on New Years Eve, I thought I'd bust out something special from the cellar...
*beer review number 100 is determined per my Beer Advocate running total. This is "only" posted review number 98 for SaBEERmetrics. There are two reviews that I have not posted here yet for beers that I reviewed before starting this blog.

Reviewing the infamous Canadian Breakfast Stout (CBS) from Founders Brewing Company.
Score: 97

2011 vintage bottle served in an oversized brandy snifter glass.

Appearance: Jet black color, 100% opaque. No light cuts through this stuff. Pours two fingers of creamy tan/cocoa colored head that very slowly settles into a half finger. Amazing, sticky lacing. 5/5

Smell: Coffee and creamy chocolate. Some fig and maple with muted marshmallows/vanilla. Roasted chocolate aromas come out as the beer warms, and caramelized/burnt brown sugar smells become apparent as the amount of beer in the glass dwindles. 4.5/5

Taste: Very balanced and delicious. Smooth maple and mellow bourbon up front. Lots of creamy chocolate thereafter. Lots of smooth syrupy flavors without the syrupy stickiness/thickness. Lingering maple/chocolate flavor. Increasing amounts chocolate and raisins as it layers. Definitely getting dark fruit on the mid-palate. 10.6% ABV is completely hidden. The flavors are not super intense, but they are amazing. 4.75/5

Mouthfeel: Full-medium bodied with the perfect minimal level of carbonation. Viscous and velvety, like melted chocolate (only lighter on the palate). The flavor of this beer absolutely coats the palate. Finish is sweet. 5/5

Overall: While I would not call CBS my favorite beer, it is an absolutely fantastic, must-try brew. Truly "world class." There is a reason that this brew is universally recognized as one of the best beers in the world. I am very tempted to keep my second bottle for a future tasting, but the Rare variant of Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout beckons...

Recommendation: A must-try stout for beer geeks and casual beer drinkers alike. Highly recommend people try this one.

Pairings: This one is a dessert in and of itself, and should be enjoyed as such. Maybe you could pair it with waffles.

Cost: $7.99 for a 22 oz (bomber) bottle.