Church-Key Riot Act Imperial Stout

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 7 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 8

Enjoyed a pint in the posh, upscale ambiance of Michelle's BeachHouse in the lovely Beaches area of Toronto. Sampled off tap, and the overturned gun tap handle, with "Riot Act" printed across it in bold, white print. Not sure I quite understanding the 'artistic integrity' with the presentation on this one? Poured with a substancial and persistent mucky, soil brown coloured head, the beer's body was a deep, oil like black. Aroma rather soft at first, would grow as it warmed. Well suited to the flavour. Carbonation at a decent level. Certainly within the RIS style, but one that seemed to focus on a thicker mouthfeel and easier drinkability - nothing overthetop I mean to say. A very bready mouthfeel. Does not show any indication of the 9%, except maybe slightly in the finish, which seems to round out the flavour nicely anyhow. Taste is on the mark - dark, tary chocolat notes. A nice balance. Dominated really by the tar-like chocolat. Church-Key is a brewery which hadn't impressed me, but with their latest offerings seemed to have turned a corner. While I'd hesitate to call this a great redention of this classic, oh so tasty style, it was certianly a good one and i enjoyed it! Certainly a forerunner for one of the best Ontarion stouts anyhow. Let's hope we continue to see the same progress from this brewery.