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Imperial Stouts are one of my favorite styles of beer. They are one of the reasons I long for the cooler temps of fall and winter in Western New York. The Imperial Stouts warm your heart, making you feel warm and fuzzy. My 3 favorite Imperial are Stone’s Russian Imperial Stout, Great Divide’s Yeti, and Victory’s Storm King. I still have a couple bottles of Stones’ aging in my wine cellar. But for today, I’ve chosen the Storm King to review on this splendid Saturday afternoon.
Style – Imperial Stout
ABV – 9.1%
Appearance – Dark, very dark, menacingly dark. When I look at this beer and then glance at the Storm King on the bottle, I know I’m in for a battle. The head is a small, cappuccino-colored film that rests on top of the abyss underneath. As you drink, the lacing sticks to the side of the glass.
Smell – Caramel, chocolate, coffee, smoke, and roasted malt
Taste – My first gulp reminds me of a chocolate milkshake, and I mean this in the best possible way. A luscious, deep, chewy body. The bitter aftertaste makes your taste buds tingle, and lingers in the back of your throat, provoking you to keep drinking. I taste the caramel mingled with the alcohol, and I get a smoky residue on my tongue. I drink Starbuck’s coffee black, and I get hints of coffee in the taste. After finishing a pint my body is warm, and I’m feeling nice, really nice.
Overall – I’ve weathered the “Storm” feeling wonderful. I cannot imagine putting down a 6-pack in a night, but 2 or 3 would put anyone in a special place. The Storm King is a serious, delicious beer that justly represents the Imperial Stout style. Although not my favorite Imperial Stout, I would never turn down a glass. Victory continually impresses me with their offerings. The Golden Monkey, Prima Pils, Storm King, and Yakima Glory are my favorite offerings from the Downingtown, PA brewery. 4 stars for the Storm!!
