Yesterday I decided brunch at Shango was in order. It’s a New Orleans-style bistro with tasty food (at least I can speak for the brunches – I’ve not tried dinner there) and an even better morning beer list.

Typically I start most days off with coffee, strong and black. To that end, I thought a rich, bitter imperial stout would be the best way to begin, beer-wise. I scanned the beer list, which differs from that online, and found just what I was looking for; Victory Storm King Imperial Stout. As soon as I took a whiff, I knew I had chosen well.

Victory Storm King’s aroma was one of roasted, bitter coffee, baker’s chocolate and a hint of smoke. There was also a scent of pine, presumably from the hops. It poured deep, thick black in the glass with a finger and a half of rich, tan-colored head.

Its flavor followed suit, dominated by the bitter cocoa and heavily roasted coffee, along with that piney hop flavor, which balanced out the thickness and chocolate-coffee bitter character of the stout. The alcohol was well-hidden too, which was great at 9.1% ABV. Storm King’s medium body was lighter than I expected and well carbonated, keeping it rather drinkable, instead of cloying.

Truly, it was a great pick to start my Sunday morning and a brew I’d have again, any time of the day.

Cheers!

TAGS [ VICTORY | STORM KING | IMPERIAL STOUT | CRAFT BEER ]