Alchimiste are one of the up and coming breweries in Quebec, and one that make an excellent variety of beers. I have tried a number of them, but not the Imperial stout, so when the opportunity arose it was only natural that I give one a try, for research obviously. Now, Imperial stout is not one of my preferred beer types. I tend to find them too strong, too bitter, too boozy, and usually acrid tasting so to say that I was apprehensive about Alchimiste's version is an understatement. As it turns out those preconceived notions (as they often are) were unfounded.
I had it from a bottle, poured into a glass and I knew I was on to something I could drink by the surprisingly mild nose. Most Imperial stouts announce their bitter credentials immediately, so the mild nose was a welcome surprise. I guess when you are brewing beer for Russians (who have a well founded reputation for hard drinking) then you don't normally worry about smoothness. When you take a sip, it's hard to follow a traditional sip pattern of tongue, middle, and finish, this one sort of mixes the tongue and middle into one satisfying taste. It's nice and malty, with the roasted malt flavour being very prominent, accented by some mild chocolate hints. This progresses into a distinct coffee flavour that is really prominent on the finish, but it doesn't dominate the beer. Most Imperial stouts have a really acrid finish, like you are drinking espresso, but the coffee finish on this version is much more tempered, more cappuccino than espresso. This is really a fine example of Imperial stout, and one that I would be willing to try again, although handle with care due to the high alcohol content.
It's available in depanneur's and grocery stores throughout Quebec as well as on draught in a variety of bars and restaurants.
Alc 7.9% IBU 60
Rating: 4 Steins.
What you need to know
Website:
http://www.alchimiste.ca/en/index.php#
Brewery Address
681 Rue Marion
Joliette, Quebec
J6E 8S3
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MicrobrasserieAlchimiste/
