Big Sky “Ivan the Terrible” Bourbon Imperial Stout: Wow – you can smell the bourbon. This beer is really something. Lots of cherry, raisin, and dark caramel. The bourbon flavor isn’t too profiund, but comes through in the aroma quite well. I have to try another one of these.
At this point, I started to feel the effects of the alcohol more profoundly. My notes lose yet more coherency.
Big Sky “Ivan the Terrible” Bourbon Imperial Stout: Hmmm – yes. A very interesting beer. 8.3% ABV, apparently though it doesn’t necessarily taste like it. There’s more bourbon this time. The fruitiness is almost overwhelming, but….wow…that’s a raisiny beer.
Rodenbach Grand Cru: I know this beer pretty well, and had to have a glass. It tastes like cherries! There aren’t any cherries in it, but it tastes like cherries! Isn’t that something?!
Great Divide Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout: Aaagh! A yeti!
That was the last of my notes, though I had a few more samples before my girlfriend arrived to give us a ride home.
All in all, I had a fantastic time at the Seattle International Beerfest, and was able to try a bunch of beers that I would never have tried otherwise. My palate was expanded, and good times were had by all. The Portland International Beer fest is coming up (in mid July, I believe), and will offer many of the same beers, so anyone in the area would do well to look into it.
Article comments
1 - Glen Boyd
My own beer drinking crew here in Seattle almost went to this event, but were scared off by the $20. ticket to get in (were kind of a bunch of cheap bastards).
Sounds like it was worth it though. I can't believe they actually had a "hooka bar" where they let you smoke here in notorious Smoke Nazi Seattle. I probably would've gone just for that had I known.
Good review Nick -- slow down on those brewskis a little though bro -- LOL
-Glen