This was the last beer that I enjoyed while on the beach vacation trip. Got back from a St. Patty's Day festival, had some time to burn before dinnertime. Was able to relax, watch some of the ACC tournament, and open up this bad boy. Hoppin' Frog (http://www.hoppinfrog.com) is based out of Ohio, and from my experience, tends to be highly regarded. The only thing that makes me think twice about them is their price point. I guess you have to pay for good beer, but sometimes the sticker shock makes me look elsewhere. I finally pulled the trigger on BORIS here.
Beer was poured into a beer pint, and I know I wasn't doing it justice by using such a vessel. Still, my friends watched me pour it and they called it "black gold". Oh, it certainly looked like it. Dense, thick, almost syrupy, the motor oil colored brew poured beautifully, leaving a finger of mocha head that had decent retention. Aromas of dark malts, chocolate, coffee, dark fruit, and oatmeal stood out the most and had me salivating.
Tasting the beer, the dark fruits come through first, then opens up to the dark malts, molasses, chocolate, and coffee. I also thought I detected licorice, but I could be imagining things. There's a very light hop punch, but it's masked by a bigger alcohol punch. At 9.4% ABV, it's got plenty of booze to give. I won't say that the alcohol is overbearing or anything, you just know at the end that you're drinking something alcoholic. To me, it's still smooth enough that you could drink this one too fast and pay the price later. Full bodied, creamy, it's definitely my type of brew. I have to say, I find this one to be a winner, and probably one of the best imperial stouts that I've ever had. For now, I can say that Hoppin' Frog BORIS is the king of the mountain. Agree? Disagree? Feel free to let me know!
Grade: A
Price Paid: $9.99 (22 oz bomber)
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