Evil Twin Imperial Biscotti Break Natale Pretty Please With A Cherry On Top

Brewed By: Evil Twin Brewing (Westbrook Brewing) in Copenhagen/Brooklyn

Purchased: 22oz bottle bought at Fischman Liquors and Tavern in Chicago, IL; 2013

Style/ABV: Imperial Stout/Porter, 11.5%

Reported IBUs: ?

Oh lawdy, look at that beer name. I didn't know that Evil Twin named their beer after post rock bands. About Evil Twin: 

Evil Twin is a Gypsy Brewery founded by founded by Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø (brother of Mikkel Borg Bjergsø) in 2010. Like his twin brother Mikkel, Jeppe is a teacher, and a homebrewer who was tired of the mainstream offerings. In 2004, Mikkel went off to pursue brewing, while Jeppe opened up a bottle shop. In 2010, while teaching a homebrewing, Jeppe decided to sell and distribute the beer he was brewing via his bottle shop. Jeppe moved to New York in 2012. For more info, check out this interview/history here. 

Tonight's beer is a twist on the Imperial Biscotti Break. The back of the bottle reads:

"The Holidays brings out the best in some people. However if the Holidays also is a tough one for you, this beer will definitely sweeten dark times of endless caroling and difficult domestic obligations. Did Imperial Biscotti Break also make your sugar levels rise and the bitter sweet flavors of coffee, almonds and chocolate very sentimental - this one has a sour cherry on top. Forza Imperiale."

Imperial Biscotti Break Natale

Sour cherries in my Imperial Stout, what? Why? I dunno. The beer pours all Stout-like. That is to say, quite black, with a pinky of dark brown/coffee/tan head. The head drops off into a hazy cauldron effect, and a brown ring hangs out on the edge of the glass. There's some serious lacing and legs on this. Holding the beer to a bright light confirms much of the same story. I'm gonna stop describing Stouts at some point.

Something is definitely going on with the aroma, because you pick up strong raspberry puree, tart cherry, cherry/raspberry, berry, and other fruit notes. I'm still getting a ton of roast and earthy coffee on the aroma. There's also some stale biscuit/Biscotti, and a hint of chocolate and almond. It's a departure from the regular Imperial Biscotti Break, but the base beer is still present.

This beer is sticky, with sticky cocoa kisses. The cherry in this plays a subtle role but I'm finding it quite enjoyable. There's a lot of molasses in here, along with lots of sugars, and -- surprisingly -- a decent amount of booze. Where is the booze coming from? There's a lot of coffee and cocoa sweetness, and the molasses and brown sugars reach some dark depths. The sour cherry flavor kind of permeates throughout, with some cherry truffle showing up, and chocolate dipped cherries making an appearance. The cherries play off the booze, giving this a pleasant and maybe welcomed hard edge.

Like the regular Imperial Biscotti Break, this has motor oil, full-bodied thickness, and coats your mouth with sweet, sticky goodness. It's sugary and boozy, and deserves to be sipped at 11.5%. It's drinkable though. Palate depth is great, and complexity is...okay. As this warms up, the base beer really peaks through with those almonds and Biscotti, and rich chocolate and coffee. You get sweet molasses, cocoa, and cherries up front; that rolls into coffee, cherry truffle, roast, boozy sugar; the back end has more booze, booze-cherries, and tons of baker's chocolate and dark chocolate. I don't even know what to think about this one, but I like it.

Rating: Above-Average (4.0/5.0 Untappd)

I'm feeling a Strong Above-Average on this. The addition of the cherries seems to heighten the alcohol in this, and that is occasionally distracting. Also, this beer is a little Dr. Jekyll, and a little Mr. Hyde. At colder temps, you get more tart/sour cherry, but you lose the divine base beer. As it warms up, the base beer starts to peak out, but the cherries fade a bit. Then again...I don't know. This is just a solid, solid Imperial Stout. Maybe it is encroaching on divine territory, I do really like this. Food pairings here include ice cream, cherry chocolate cake, a cigar, sipping it solo, or using this beer as a sauce or glaze. This has potential to be paired with something savory, like beef brisket or braised beef, or pork. This is definitely worth checking out, but fruit stouts always have mixed reviews.

Random Thought: Although I'm a Bears fan forever, I also have a soft spot for the Carolina Panthers. A long time ago I did a grade school project on the team, and since then I've always rooted for them. While the Bears and Panthers are both competing for a wild card spot (as well as their respective division), I was very happy to see the Panthers beat the Patriots, even if it came off a controversial call.