Beer of the Weekend #635: Imperial Biscotti Break Natale

Needless to say, I need a beer after watching the Cyclones thoroughly dismantle the Hawkeyes in style tonight. The Mayor has himself an impressive team — even without its second best scorer.

The beer tonight should ease my nerves: Imperial Biscotti Break Natale, brewed by Evil Twin Brewing via Westbrook Brewing Company of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Evil Twin is headquartered in Copenhagen and Brooklyn, apparently (either or, I guess).


Serving type: 22-ounce bottle.

Appearance: Pours an opaque black into a snifter. Two fingers of dense, buttery, chocolate mousse-colored head dissipates slowly, leaving a bubbly skim and ring around the edge.

Smell: Oooo! Dark, chocolaty goodness! There are aromas of rich, dark chocolate — which is reminiscent of chocolate syrup — molasses, a little roasted malt, chocolate biscotti (yes!), dark fruit, and burnt sugar. There is a hint of alcohol, but it is mostly well masked.

Taste: Oh, wow! It mostly mirrors the smell. Dark chocolate and a lot of toasted flavor. One would expected some roasted malt, but it is more like burnt toast than anything. There are also flavors of molasses, dark fruit, burnt sugar, a little chocolate biscotti, and a touch of alcohol.

Drinkability: Fantastic! This stuff is damn tasty and it takes all the pain away…

Fun facts about IBBN:

-Style: The brewery calls it imperial porter

-Price: $14.99/bottle at the New Pioneer Food Co-op in Iowa City. Mysteriously, the price was not included on the shelf — probably for obvious reasons.

-Alcohol content: 11.5 percent ABV.


The Quiet Man’s grade: A.

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