Narwhal

I pretty much wait around for anything new that is released from Sierra Nevada. Whether it is a seasonal ale or me anticipating something completely new that they just announced. Well, this, is just that.



Narwhal Imperial Stout. When this beer was first rumored, way back when, people thought it was going to be similar to the 30th Anniversary Fritz and Ken.

Our 30th anniversary stout, brewed with craft beer pioneers Ken Grossman and Fritz Maytag and aged for over a year in charred oak Kentucky bourbon barrels. This rich black stout has notes of coffee and dark chocolate and a delicate hint of smoke supported by a velvety body that showcases the flavors of oak, vanilla, and toasted coconut from the extended barrel aging. A slow, satisfying sipper of a beer.

I don't know, I have never had that one. But it sounds amazing. I wish I could get my hands on a bottle but I doubt there is much anybody with it would be willing to trade for it. I still have a bottle of Jack and Kens and the 30th Grand Cru but you know... Sierra Nevada broke down the beer like this.

Narwhal Imperial Stout is inspired by the mysterious creature that thrives in the deepest fathoms of the frigid Arctic Ocean. Featuring incredible depth of malt flavor, rich with notes of espresso, baker’s cocoa, roasted grain and a light hint of smoke, Narwhal is a massive malt-forward monster. Aggressive but refined with a velvety smooth body and decadent finish, Narwhal will age in the bottle for years to come.

This beer was really assertive. There is a pronounced dark malt bitterness but then comes a cocoa like bittersweet chocolate and a coffee blend thrown in there. There is an overlying creaminess to it all. It has a great full body and mouthfeel a little burnt and some toffee as well. Overall, a 5/5 beer.

Cheers!