47 – Great Lakes Blackout Stout
I have 2 6-packs of this aging in my basement. This time I had it fresh from the tap at Mad Mex in Cranberry.
Great Lakes Blackout Stout
brewery: Great Lakes – greatlakesbrewing.com
beer webpage: http://www.greatlakesbrewing.com/beerProfile.php?beer_id=00000010
style: Russian Imperial Stout
abv: 9%
glass used: snifter
awards: Gold Medal, 2008 World Beer Cup | Gold Medal, 2006 World Beer Championships | Gold Medal, 2006 World Beer Cup | Gold Medal, 2003 World Beer Championships | Gold Medal, 2003 World Beer Championships (as Emmett’s Imperial Stout) | Silver Medal, 1996 World Beer Championships (as Emmett’s Imperial Stout)
price: $6
Overview
Named after the infamous “Blackout of 2003″ that left the northeastern United States in complete darkness, but resulted in old-fashioned neighborhood porch parties and down-home fun.
What I think
Since I wasn’t the one who poured this I can’t tell you what that was like but when it arrived there was beer porn in my presence. Aroma was slight chocolate, stronger on the coffee and that first drink was deep, thick, and rich deliciousness in the form of chocolate with a hint of vanilla. This was velvety on the palate and finished smoother than Billy Dee Williams.
Spoon’s rating: A
Phil Said,
May 27, 2009 @ 5:32 pm
Quite an achievement, to be smoother than Billy Dee. Great review. Not having had this, my favorite to this day is Stone’s IRS. Last year’s was butt kicking crazy good and this year’s is more of the same.
IRS may just be the only way to brew a stout. The throat warming that comes from these things just makes me so happy.
spoon Said,
May 27, 2009 @ 9:40 pm
Phil, I may have to send you a bottle. Its fan-freaking-tastic
Hutch Said,
May 27, 2009 @ 9:47 pm
This beer was certainly in my top two this year and I imbibed several growlers from a beer shop in Moon TWP that had two barrels this winter. The only brewers that came close in this style to me were Brooklyn Brewery and Southern Tier. Good choice
Shane Said,
May 28, 2009 @ 9:54 pm
Have to agree, I really enjoy this beer. I have a bomber of the bourbon barrel version aging for when the pens hoist lord stanley this year