Evil Twin Imperial Biscotti Break

Cookies, meet Beer.

Beer:  Imperial Biscotti Break (IBB)

Brewery:  Evil Twin Brewing

Date:  December 31st, 2013

Style:  Imperial Stout

ABV:  13.0%

Similar To:  Founders Breakfast Stout, Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Coffee Stout 



Description:
Though this one came highly recommended, I admit to feeling reluctant to crack it open, due in no small part to the name.  I'm a bit of an anti-foppishness snob, and the concept of biscotti beer, set my teeth on edge.  I can't imagine who exactly would take the time for a "biscotti break" but I'm pretty sure that they'd annoy the crap out of me while doing it.  Initial trepidation notwithstanding, I was very happy that I set aside my preconceptions, because the payoff was superb (read on).  I'm convinced that there's a lesson to be learned somewhere in all of this, but I'm almost equally sure that it would be lost on me.

First Impression:
Deep brown color to the point of being black.  Formed a thin medium brown lacing which dissipated quickly.

Smell:
I can't remember the last time I savored the aroma of a beer for so long before tasting it.  Swirling it in a tulip glass brought forth wave after wave of warm vanilla, bourbon, malt, and even a hint of almond (now I see the biscotti connection) or something similarly sweet hovering around the periphery.  While these were all great accompaniments, the dominant scents for IBB are, without a doubt, coffee and chocolate.

Taste:
Not to be outdone by the fragrant previews, IBB is a double-barreled epic with coffee and chocolate taking top billing.  A strong supporting cast includes vanilla, caramel, malt, and that additional elusive sweetness.  Also present are a strong alcohol taste and a welcome warming sensation going down.

On the Palate:
Thick and rich with almost no carbonation.  Surprisingly smooth, despite the high ABV.

Why You'll like It: 
Coffee, chocolate, vanilla, caramel, why wouldn't you like it?  In all seriousness, though, IBB will appeal to fans of imperial and coffee stouts.  Those adventurous enough to try IBB are unlikely to be disappointed.

...and why You won't:
Despite its complexity and depth of character, this is still one strong beer.  If lager and pale ale is your thing, you may be better served by sticking with those styles.  Similarly, if coffee doesn't appeal to you, then this is definitely one to pass on.

In Closing...:
What a way to end a year!  Along with Founders Backwoods Bastard, this may be my favorite beer of 2013.  Highly recommended, if you can find it, I look forward to trying more from Evil Twin very soon.  Nice to see that the Danes have expanded spectacularly beyond Carlsberg (and especially CSB, a stereotypical favorite of adolescent English boys and tramps for decades).

Rating (Out of 5):