Cigar City Marshal Zhukov's Imperial Stout - Brandy Barrel Aged

Aroma: 9 | Appearance: 10 | Mouthfeel: 9 | Flavor: 9 | Overall: 9

Rated Jan. 2010. This marks my 300th rated Florida brewed beer. I am glad to mark this occasion with such a stellar beer. Who would have thought two years ago such amazing beer would come from the beer wasteland of Florida. Thank you Joe and Wayne for not only bringing amazing beer to market but also possibly inspiring others to push beyond the tepid waters of thin hot weather swill. This Apple Brandy Barrel Aged treat was served up on tap at CCB at the mini grand opening. It pours inky dark soul-less void with thin tan mocha head. The aroma carries pleasing and inviting notes of sweet Brandy moving into some oak, roastiness, mild black strap molasses and dark chocolate. The taste is velvety smooth with pure dark notes of highly roasted malts to burnt malts as well as velvety rich dark chocolate. In a supportive role assertive notes of caramel, vanilla, oak and sweet Brandy bring this together in palate warming harmony. Amazing balance. Very nice.

Aroma: 10 | Appearance: 9 | Mouthfeel: 10 | Flavor: 9 | Overall: 9

Just about perfect poured out 100% pitch black. And you know you just drank a good beer. When the clear glass you just drank out of is stained brown. This has 80 ibu but only the first sip is bitter.

Aroma: 9 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 9 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 8

Enjoyed a sample of this while waiting in line for our allotment of bottles during Dark Lord Day 2011. Impressive imperial stout, extremely robust but fairly one or two dimensional. Didn't pick up much apple, but the brandy was evident. What it lacked in depth it made up for by excelling in what it did offer.