Beer Review 70: Surly Darkness 2011

When it come to Russian Imperial Stouts there are few that stand up to the behemoth that is Surly Darkness. This big, flavorful, and rich stout out of the the Minnesota is an amazing beer. Since 2007 when Surly when first decided to bottle Darkness has become one of the cornerstones of the imperial stout market. Once a year during "Darkness Day " at the brewery people gather from all around the country to share bottles from their cellar and have a good time as they wait to buy their allotment of bottles. I've been blessed to have had Darkness 09-2011 and I must say that I enjoy this beer fresh. I'm not saying Darkness gets worse with age, I just prefer the nice hop profile it has when you consume it fresh. At $20.00 dollars a bottle I find that this beer is worth every single dime, especially because it's bottled in a really cool 750 ml bottle that is waxed and has great art work every year. Darkness clocks in at a very drinkable 10.30 % abv, but its still best enjoyed out of a snifter in 6 oz pours. What I also like about this beer is that as it opens up you get more and more flavors and textures. I love to pair this beer with any form of red meat especially with my bone in cajun rubbed rib-eye, but it also goes well with a big juicy bacon burger with blue cheese.... yea yum, and now in hungry! I do recommend to go out and find this beer, buy 2 or more bottles and drink a few fresh and age a few so you can also see the changes this beer goes through over the years.

Color: Deep, dark, and black. a beautiful tan head of 1 1/2 finger head forms at the end of your pour. Light lacing and some good head retention are left behind in the glass.

Nose: Big time roasted malts... like so big in your face roasted malts. A delightful hop aroma arises from this beer along with hints of espresso and mild chocolate.

Palate: Boom! Out of the gate you get bitter coffee along with the perfect compliment to it sweet mild chocolate. As the beer makes it down your tongue you get many different aspects of this beer: roasted malts, hops and a tad of warmth from the abv. The drinkablity of this beer is just sublime, the carbonation is just right and this full bodied beer just goes down easy.

Finish: Near perfect Russian Imperial Stout. Quite layered with a long finish. you can taste this beer well after you have taken down your sip. A nice bitterness come through here along with a gentle sweetness to chase it away. Just good.

Rating: 96/100