This year’s Imperial Stout from Signature is really very good indeed.
It pours an impenetrable inky black with a little cappuccino head and an aroma packed with plum jam and rum and raisin chocolate.
There are some hops in here, they add a little herbal greenery and some crunchy red leaves, a hint of pine bark along with the sights and smells of a walk through England’s deepest woodland on a crisp Winter morning.
In fact, they remind me of my childhood and Christmas mornings spent walking in the foothills of the Wrekin having opened my presents and before making my way home for lunch.
But the star here is the deep rich malt body.
Dark bitter chocolate and rich fruity coffee is wrapped in a dry shortcrust pastry case, with sticky honey and Christmas card envelope glue making your lips smack as the Brandy heat of the booze builds and leads you happily towards the oblivion of the happily drunken finish.
Happy Christmas to you all.
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Source: Signature Brew Co.