The Lost Abbey ‘Serpent’s Stout’ Imperial Stout

Rating:

“The history of the bible and religion is indeed the struggle of good vs. evil. Our Serpent’s Stout recognizes the evil of the dark side that we all struggle with. This is a massively thick and opaque beer that begs the saints to join the sinners in their path to a black existence.”

Glassware: Snifter.

Appearance: Dense black with a tightly packed brown head. It doesn’t hang around, forming a halo with a wet drag down the glass.

Aroma: Oh wow it’s quite a fruity little number. It has a subtle mix of dark berries, raisin and cherry fused through its rather viscous array of charred malts, velvety coffee, chocolate, cocoa, vanilla, rich toffee fudge, earthy Asian spice, leather and mild smoky tones. Proper loving this subtle addition of the fruits…really hands it a unique character.

Flavour: Extremely rich and decadent. The fruit profile drops off a little and is replaced by a more pronounced charred malt and roast. Lots of bitter espresso, warming booze, chocolate and cocoa, vanilla, ash and kind of a woody/scorched timber accent. Quite a dry and bitter finish with heaps of char and smoke for days.

Mouthfeel: Muscly, velvety, oily. Full body with low Co2. The ABV (11%) is noticeable but forgivable considering its size.

Overall: It’s been a long time between drinks for us and Lost Abbey. We wish we could get our mits on it more often (and for a more affordable price!). This stout is classic Lost Abbey… traditional for the most part but still very edgy and intriguing. Solid.