Surly Darkness Vintage 2009
From Surly Brewing Co. – Darkness – this massive Russian Imperial Stout brings waves of flavors; chocolate, cherries, raisins, coffee, and toffee. We add a touch of hops to make this delicious brew even tastier.
Surly Brewing Co. – Darkness Vintage 2009 – 22 oz. bottle poured into a goblet, enjoyed at fridge temp and above room temp. 9.6% abv. Thanks to a trade from MN.
Appearance: Pours jet black with a think, dense foamy tan head.
Aroma: Dark fruits such dates, figs, plums and raisins, toffee, dark roasted malts,herbal hops.
Taste: Milk chocolate, raisins, dark chocolate covered cherries, burnt roast, coffee, vanilla or caramel, condensed milk,herbal hops. Finishes with fruitiness and a bitter burnt malt note.
Mouthfeel: Thick and syrupy.
Overall: I don’t quite know what to make of this monster. I need to find something to pair it with to truly complement this beer. All and all, I didn’t really enjoy this beer at all, and after talking with others on Facebook, I found out I wasn’t the only one with these opinions of this particular batch. I will try again with other vintages, as this beer is known to be awesome.
January 16, 2010 @ 2:40 pm
Thought this beer was amazing! hop forward stout with tons of flavor.
January 14, 2010 @ 11:04 am
I guess it just comes down to individual preferences then (as do all beer reviews of course).
I really love the way the flavors are all there, individual if you try to pick them out and yet compliment each other very well if you want to enjoy them as a whole.
Cheers!
January 14, 2010 @ 10:57 am
Wow, I’m surprised. I’ve had this on vintage on tap several times and out of the bottle a couple more and I loved every glass I had.
What specifically about it did you not like?
January 14, 2010 @ 11:00 am
The flavor and the mouthfeel.