Last night, we enjoyed a vertical tasting of Sleeping Giant's "Love & Happiness" Imperial stout, 2016-2018. For those of you that are unfamiliar with the term, a vertical tasting is devoted to a series of beers from different vintages, but the same style. They were all poured into the same style glass at 8°C.
Below are some quick notes:
Similarities:
All three had the same appearance, very similar carbonation level, a medium body, and hid their alcohol content exceptionally well.
2016 (8.3%)
Aroma of semi sweet chocolate and oak
More chocolate on the palate
No coffee
Aftertaste lingers, consistent with first sip
2017 (8.3%)
Aroma touch of oak, a little coffee
Coffee on the palate
A touch of chocolate
Aftertaste of coffee and chocolate
2018 (8.2%)
Aroma of dried raisins and fig with a touch of milk chocolate
Dried fruit coffee and chocolate on the sip
Aftertaste of raisins, chocolate, coffee
Overall, it was great to experience the significant differences between each vintage, with each one being delicious in its own way.
Our favorite was the 2016 version.
SGBC’s Imperial Stouts
From left to right: 2016, 2017, 2018
Have you conducted a vertical tasting recently? What was it and how did you like it? let us know in the comments below.
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