Quote:
Originally Posted by KCUnited
I was happy to find an Aztec Chocolate Stout up here at Binny's but haven't popped it.
Is there a rule of thumb on aging an imperial stout? Info seems pretty mixed. Does the addition of chocolate affect the use of aging?
I had forgotten about a 2014 Boulevard Chocolate Ale I had in my basement until I was packing for our move in May. Tasted awful.
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Imperial Stouts can be aged for at least a couple years, but (at least for me) that's usually to smooth out the harshness of a higher alcohol content or bourbon. Goose Island's BCS is a great example... it's good on day 1, but heavenly after 8-12 months. Same for Great Divide stouts.
The Aztec Chocolate wasn't harsh at all and isn't what I'd personally call an Imperial Stout, so I'm not sure how much it would improve with age... there are some references on beeradvocate to "Mexican style stout," which I didn't know was a thing, but maybe that style is supposed to be lighter and less complex.
I dunno, I'm just not into Boulevard like I used to be.... but, they have a couple more Imperial Stout Xs coming out (missed the coffee one)... their pumpkin offering this year is "funky pumpkin" which I assume means Saison or Belgian, bleh.