Drexl Blackstrap Imperial Stout – Bench Creek Brewing


From Bench Creek Brewing out of very rural Alberta (Yellowhead Country) near Edson comes their “Drexl Blackstrap Imperial Stout”.  The beer pours an opaque black colour with a brown head.  The aroma consists of roasted malts, smoke, molasses and anise.  The flavour is of roasted malts, smoke, molasses, anise, toffee, sweetness, resin and bitterness.  The alcohol content comes in at 11% with an IBU of 80.  I have been a fan of Bench Creek Brewing for some time and this beer does not change that opinion at all.  This is a well made Imperial Stout.

Commercial Description:  Y’know what we got here? Charlie Bronson. Mr. Majestyk.Rich biscuity UK base malt and multiple caramel malts for layered toffee and dark fruit flavours got you thinkin’ it’s pretty… But it’s not as pretty as a variety of roasted malts which provide chocolate and coffee depth. In fact, we’re gonna show you with a little demonstration.  Now, see, we’re sittin’ down here, ready to negotiate, and you’ve already given up. It’s still a mystery to you. But we know it’s got generous additions of blackstrap molasses and star anise.  All right, peep this: it’s aged on American oak to fully mimic the flavours and aromas of blackstrap rum. Ey’ yo, yo why you trippin’?

Wintervention (Bourbon Barrel-Aged Chocolate Imperial Stout) – Garrison Brewing


From Halifax Nova Scotia’s Garrison Brewing comes their “Wintervention” a Bourbon Barrel-Aged Chocolate Imperial Stout.  The beer pours a black close to opaque with a brown head.  The aroma consists of chocolate, vanilla, bourbon, toffee and oak.  The flavour is of chocolate, toffee, treacle, coffee, vanilla, bourbon, oak, roasted malts, ash, bitterness and resin.  The alcohol content comes in at 11.5%.  Garrison Brewing does some amazing things and this one ranks up there with some of their best beer.

Commercial Description:  With 11 months in Bourbon barrels, we’re taking this Wintervention to the next level! The time spent in the Bourbon barrels give this brew a deliciously complex flavour. Rich bittersweet chocolate aromatics with cherry and vanilla underneath. Layers of chocolate fudge, coffee, malted milk balls and molasses flavours with a bittersweet chocolate finish.

You Gonna Eat That?- Twin Sails Brewing


From Twin Sails Brewing in Port Moody comes their “You Gonna Eat That?” a Black Forest Cake stout.  The beer pours a deep brown colour with a brown head.  The aroma consists of chocolate, mild roast, cherry and some sweetness.  The flavour is of cherries, chocolate, mild roast, earth, creamy with a mild bitterness.  The alcohol content comes in at 8.2%.  I personally really like the pastry stout and this one was defiantly enjoyable.

Foreign Export Stout – Sooke Brewing Company


From Sooke Brewing Company in Sooke on Vancouver Island comes their “Foreign Export Stout”.  The beer pours a black opaque colour with a brown head.  The aroma consists of roasted malts, earth, toffee and chocolate.  The flavour is of chocolate, creaminess, coffee, toffee, ash, bitterness and some resin with little to no alcohol.  The alcohol content comes in at 8%.  This is one mighty fine Imperial Stout that hides the alcohol perfectly.

Swirl Imperial Stout – Wren House Brewing


From Wren House Brewing in Phoenix Arizona comes their “Swirl Imperial Stout”.  The beer pours a deep black colour with a big brown head.  The aroma consists of chocolate, vanilla, sweetness maybe from lactose.  The flavor is of chocolate, vanilla, some roasted malts, caramel, toffee, hint of coffee and a mild bitterness.  The alcohol content comes in at 13% but you would never guess it.  This beer is definitely best after dinner to be enjoyed for desert.  This is a great imperial stout with so much flavour.

Commercial Description:  SWIRL is a brand new imperial stout from us; 13% with a suuuper thick body and jam packed with cocoa nibs, vanilla, and sugar cone. We think it tastes exactly like a swirl cone!