Feeling Froggy?

When my wife brought this beer back from one of her East Coast work trips, I have to admit, I wondered about it. A goofy label, a brewery I had never heard of, and a style that is tough to just drink on a whim. I shelved it. It sat in my dark cabinet, getting pushed back further and further, for over a year. Then I decided to give it a shot in an attempt to help clear room...

Review #35
Barrel Aged B.O.R.I.S Oatmeal Imperial Stout  ABV 9.4%
Hoppin Frog Brewery  Akron, OH  22 oz bottle poured hard into tall pint

A - This is the green cap, Batch #3 from October of '09. This is a deep, jet black pour, with a cappuccino colored, thin head. Oily and viscous, I almost have to shake the last remnants out of the bottle. There is little to no retention, due to lack of head. The lacing is loose, but strong, and travels well all the way down the glass.

S - The first smell is full of roasted malts and chocolate, backed by a bit of oak. A hint of alcohol, and a strong hit of earthiness finish this off

T - This is dessert and dinner all at once. Big and bold, with assertive vanilla and chocolate flavors, coffee and and oak up front. The oak carries through to mid taste, where the bourbon comes in. Subtle and unassuming, it grows as you roll it over the palate and it warms. The ending is chocolate and alcohol, sweet and bitter all at once, coating my lips in sticky alcohol sweetness. Tastes of chocolate ganache richness, and vanilla pudding smoothness, coffee punch, and heavy chewiness. A Tiramisu in a glass.

M - Very full bodied. Chewy and sweet, with little carbonation.

O - This is probably in my top 3 stouts ever. It is so rich, so complex, so satisfying. It was a two hour drink, every minute savored. No one flavor overwhelmed the others, all playing their supporting roles in the larger picture--the beer as a whole. A contemporary Hollywood movie with ten superstars all playing bit parts for the greater goal. Absolutely fantastic, and I will certainly have Leasea pick up more from Hoppin Frog in the future, hopefully this is a sign of more great beers in my future.

Cheers,
Chris