Raven’s Eye Imperial Stout
Raven’s Eye is an imperial stout brewed by Eel River Brewing Company out of Scotia California. This is one of the few certified organic beers on the market. Well, organic beers in Oklahoma anyway.
Raven’s Eye is a dark brown beer that is remarkably clear with ruby highlights. I expected a darker beer for an imperial stout but the color is very nice regardless. Head retention is lacking, probably due to the alcohol content of 9.5%. The head color is tan and creamy before it disappears.
The aroma is malty sweet with pleasant roasted notes and mild esters. The hop aroma isn’t really noticeable but the alcohol is, though it isn’t hot or overwhelming.
After taking in the lovely aroma I was looking forward to my first sip. The carbonation is on the medium-low side and that allows the sweet malt and roasted flavors to shine through. The hop bitterness is moderate and the beer is very well balanced with a sweet finish that lingers for several minutes. Esters are present in the flavor and so is a warming alcohol warmth that is smooth.
While swirling the beer in my mouth I expected a great deal of body but was a little disappointed. To me, imperial stouts should be thick and creamy but Raven’s Eye is moderate in body and the thick creamy character that I’ve come to expect is not there. It is really the only knock I have on this very good beer.
I would definitely recommend this beer. It is tasty and drinkable. My toes were warmed on this cool autumn evening and that is always a good thing. Think of it as a winter warmer that doesn’t quite make it as an imperial stout but that shouldn’t stop you from giving it a try. Yum.
Desiree Knott
High Gravity Homebrewing & Winemaking Supplies
7164 S Memorial
Tulsa, OK 74133
(918) 461-2605
desiree@highgravitybrew.com
http://www.highgravitybrew.com
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