SweetWater Happy Ending imperial stout

[philm00x]

Tonight I'm sipping on this black-as-night brew that threw me for a loop. I was expecting a lot more of a roasty, chocolatey, and nutty flavor from this beer but instead I was hit with flavor and aroma very reminiscent of this same brewery's 420 Extra Pale Ale! It smells very much of musky tropical fruit, and has a faint toffee finish, but the hops overpower almost all of the malt flavor. It laces quite well in the glass, and has a thin tan film of head that lingers along the glass' edge. The body is pretty medium, not as full as I thought it would have been.

I don't know much about stouts as a style, but I would have pinned this as a black IPA instead. Overall, very enjoyable and smooth, and the hops being fruity as they are, I think tame the bitterness to a level that my pallet can stand.



PS: Jeff, Mr. Rufus is jealous that I'm drinking out of a glass with Bela's face on it instead of his. Guess I'm gonna have to get one made for him!

[Inkleg]

Yeah it really floats between both styles. It's a seasonal and later in the year the hops fade some. I enjoy it at both ends of the spectrum. I'll buy a case and have a sixer fresh and space the rest out over the next six months, never last any longer.

I think Mr. Rufus would look badass on a glass. Though, don't expect him to show any excitment about it. If he's true to his cat self, he'll just look at you with that "what ever, silly human" look and walk off.

[bucknut]

I think it's the Cascades and Centennial that both beers use maybe, got to save a couple of these back like Jeff mentions to let the hops fade a bit. Hard to get a good read on the malts, it's not a bad thing but just not really to style, yet.

[Brewbirds]

During the RCE JPSherman and I were discussing a style called American Stout which sounds like what you are describing. If I recall the commercial example of the style is Sierra Nevada's.

I seen a Porter from on shelves but have not been able to find their Stout.

[BlackDuck]

Well...tonight is my turn for the Happy Ending . This is really an interesting beer. Phil explained it as musky and I would agree. Almost kind of like feet, but in a good way if that's possible. It's a very familiar aroma that I just can't put my finger on though. I too was expecting a much more roasty/malty/chocolate flavor, but it's just not there. But I'm getting a little bit of the toffee also.

I poured mine a little aggressive and into a tapered glass so I got quite a large head on mine. It's a rather smooth beer. I'm not a huge stout fan, but I really like this one.

Thanks Jeff for the Happy Ending.

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[Inkleg]

I walked in from the beer fridge tonight and told my wife I was going to give myself a Happy Ending. And that's just what I did.

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Told myself I need to get some more IF I can find it.