France is known as a wine country, but has sort of a bad reputation when it comes to beer. Very much like its neighbor Spain, in fact. And yet, when craft beer comes to town, anybody can make something worht drinking. I suppose it has to do with a certain amount of standardization and globalization of processes and potential for control of environment. In any case, A Russian Imperial Stout is worth trying, wherever it comes from, and Prizm has chosen a very timely name: Doomsday Clock. Gotta see how this one goes.
There's an interesting, malty, bready kind of aroma, with a hint of sweetness sliding through as well. The dark beige head dies back quickly, but leaves a resistant, if thin, covering. The flavor is rich and cake-y, definitely sweet but it doesn't start out sticky. It's a heavy-feeling beer, but it doesn't leave a clingy aftertaste or afterfeel in the mouth, going down smoothly. There's an exchange of flavors that takes you on a tour of succulent fruits, energizing coffee, joyful baked goods, and that little touch of licorice I can always do without. It's only a touch though, so I can deal with it fine. It maintains a good balance even as it gets warmer and stronger in flavor, developing an even heavier feel. Eventually there's a little bit of a drag after the swallow, but it isn't a hard beer to drink at all. It leaves you with a warm and pleasant feeling that takes away anxiety of waiting for the end to come.
Price: €7.95
