Beer Review: Ten Fidy

Reviewing the Ten Fidy from Oskar Blues Grill Brewery.
Score: 94

Aged (2010 vintage) can pored in a pint glass.

Appearance: Pours a sludgy black color that looks exactly like used motor oil. Completely opaque. Pours a half finger of brown head that disappears when it settles. Below average lacing, but that is to be expected with such a high gravity beer. 4/5

Smell: Huge aromas of unrefined cocoa and bittersweet chocolate. Hints of cream, some marshmallow. Subtle hop bitterness as well. Booziness is definitely apparent. 4/5

Taste: Creamy dark chocolate. Roasted malts. A little sweet and smoky wood on the mid-palate. Warming alcohol is apparent, but it's very balanced and thus more cuddling that distracting. Finishes with unsweetened chocolate, some coffee beans, and warming alcohol. 4.5/5

Mouthfeel: Medium-full bodied, very low carbonation. Very oily on the tongue. Finishes dry. 4.5/5

Overall: One of the best Russian Imperial Stouts on the market. I've had this fresh and enjoyed it, but aging this beer makes it incredibly smooth. Certainly worth buying and sticking in your fridge for a while.

Recommendation: As one of the more flavorful, smoother high-alcohol beers on the market, I can safely recommend this one all around. The alcohol is not hidden, but it balances well in the brew as a warm hug rather than shiver-inducing flavor component.

Pairings: Smoked BBQ meats, and steak.

Cost: $17.99 for a four pack of 12 oz cans.