Frankenmuth Imperial Stout 2013 Edition: 2nd Review

Brewmaster’s Select

Russian-American Style Stout

Frankenmuth Brewing Company

Frankenmuth, Michigan, USA

Frankenmuthbrewery.com

1quart 1.8oz bottle

10% abv

I reviewed a bottle of this Stout a couple of weeks back, so it is time to open that second bottle.  The Stout was … terrible on the first bottle.  I have to admit that I am afraid to even open this bottle but, I want it out of my fridge.  If it is no good I’ll just water the grass with it. 

1313 bottles made and I have bottle number 0131.

Stouts are usually brewed as an ale but, Frankenmuth brewery made this as a lager.  They brewed it back in February of 2012 and let it sit for a year to age. 

This beer is all about the packaging.  What a great looking bottle and label.  They had three bottles left and I bought two of them. 

Appearance: black body with a two finger tan head that leaves some lacing on the glass.  The other bottle never poured better than a one finger head.

Aroma: It does not have that vinegar smell.  It does have a tartness to the overall bouquet with just a touch of roasted grains and I think I am pickup up an oaky note.  This is nothing like an Imperial Stout.

Flavors and Mouthfeel: some light roasted notes and this bottle has a tart flavor or is it a very abrasive sea grass note.  It is a very sharp tart bite that hits the mid palate; no carbonation; there is a light syrupy or oily feel; overall not pleasing

To the Point: this tastes like a sour dark beer.  The good thing – they don’t have any more of this Imperial Stout.  The only good thing here is the cool quart bottle.  I did water the grass with this beer.  

Click here to read the first review

Frankenmuth Imperial Stout 2013: Review

Brewmaster’s Select

Russian-American Style Stout

Frankenmuth Brewing Company

Frankenmuth, Michigan, USA

Frankenmuthbrewery.com

1quart 1.8oz bottle

10% abv

76 IBU's

Review Date: 3-8-13

1313 bottles made and I have bottle number 0125.

Stouts are usually brewed as an ale but, Frankenmuth brewery made this as a lager.  They brewed it back in February of 2012 and let it sit for a year to age. 

This beer is all about the packaging.  What a great looking bottle and label.  They had three bottles left and I bought two of them. 

I have a love hate relationship with this brewery.  I love their building, the food is pretty good, and the beer … well … sometimes it is good at best and sometimes I hate it.  I do like their Pilsner.  It is very good. 

A nifty way to carry this bottle

Appearance: black body with a one finger tan head that leaves some lacing and has some legs dripping on the glass. 

Aroma: light vinegar smell and not much else.  This is nothing like an Imperial Stout.

Flavors and Mouthfeel: it is lager like, light to medium in body, thin in flavors, some light roasted notes and that vinegar taste.  I have never had an Imperial Stout that has this vinegar taste.  I am not picking up any hops.  They give it a 76 IBU rating but, it is really not in play here.  No carbonation; somewhat smooth; too clean of a feel for an Imperial; the alcohol is not a factor except maybe how I feel;

To the Point: this tastes like an Oud Bruin but no fruit.  This is pretty uninteresting and I am pretty disappointed.  I wonder if they would take the other bottle back.  But, the bottle is great looking and their building is very nice.  I am going to have to give up on this brewery.  I’ll just stay with their Pilsner.  

My dogs even fell asleep on this review.