Ommegang Chocolate Indulgence Stout

I realize that this parade of beers has been a rather absurd collection but why not drink the best things you can get a hold of. Yesterday's selection was Ommegang's 10th anniversary beer, their one off Chocolate Indulgence Stout. I sampled this one at the Brewer's Guild Holiday Party, but that was a bit late in the evening, and it was last in a rather long list of potent beers. I've got another bottle that I am laying down for a bout a year. I don't think it will do much after that point, but it seems that a year will really help develop the subtle flavors in this one.

The beer pours an opaque black, that fades to dark chocolate-y brown around the far edges. The head is the color of rich mocha, and it the ability to stick like no other. The head even has some surprisingly oily characteristics to it. Carbonation appears active, and even after a 30 minute departure to collect some raspberries, the head was still quite active. This is a pretty stout.

The smell is rich. Dark malts come out first, mingling with a rather enticing note of booziness. Hops are quite subtle, but keep this from just being a malt bomb. The chocolate comes in right at the end. It is dark, but not on the level of say 90% chocolate bars. It is reminiscent of fine cocoa powder more than anything. On to the tasting!

The malts come out first and foremost, with a malt bill that sits between an American style stout, and Belgian strong dark ale. This provides an interesting balance, and keeps it forming leaning too much on the sweet side by providing the roasted American character. The hops really don't make much appearance, except as a touch of spiciness that enhances the chocolate when it comes through. Speaking of which, the chocolate comes through as a rather subtle flavor that builds up. I have to wonder if this isn't from using cocoa powder, and the small particles accumulate on the tongue. Delicious. The pairing of fresh raspberries was an excellent choice.

The mouthfeel on this beer is velvety smooth. The oily chocolate feel enhances it, and leaves the flavors lingering in the mouth for ages. The finish is bittersweet, with just enough alcohol to dry it out nicely.

Overall: 9.3/10 This was an excellent beer, but not quite on par with some of the others I have had lately. I think that some of the flavors were too subtle, and while balance was excellent, the darker characteristics could have been brought to the forefront just a touch more. Cheers!