Florida has maintained its status as a dessert stout wonderland for so long it’s almost impossible to find just a standard one.
They need to travel to Bonita springs.
I am currently sitting at Bonita Springs’ much lauded Hopsized Brewing, good friends of ours and winner of the Best Small Brewery in 2023 from Best Florida Beer. And it’s beers like Obsidian Bastion (Imperial Stout, 12% ABV, 33 IBU) that make it worthwhile.
Having it served in a gold rimmed one year anniversary glass made it just a bit more special.
This beer is everything you need it to be, from the rich tan-colored foam to the tight lacing on the glass, a color so black not even sun rays can pass through and a boozy, boldly enriched aroma that has massive notes of coffee, ultra-dark chocolate, and raisin.
The flavor is heavy and decadent and lands like a bowling ball on your tongue with a velvety silky mouthfeel. This taste is resplendent of soy sauce, chicory, a deeply roasted coffee, and this wonderful prune and molasses boosted flavor on the back end.
It is everything a proper Imperial Stout needs to be, and absolutely perfect in every way.
It doesn’t need to be treated, it doesn’t need to be candied, it doesn’t need to be gussied up. It’s fine the way that it is, no need for any special treatments here.
They definitely have a winner on their hands and if you don’t believe me, or if you think every stout needs to have ice cream flavors, I’ll see you in Bonita Springs.
Drink Florida Craft,
Dave
@floridabeerblog
[email protected]
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