Rogue Ales Rolling Thunder
What the brewers say
“Black with ruby hues, Rolling Thunder Imperial Stout delivers a complex array of aromas and flavors that explode upon drinking, making this culmination of grain, oak, time, and effort a revolutionary experience.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Strong roast up front, with chocolate malt, oak, vanilla, coconut, and roasted coffee. Fruity esters emerge with aromas of raisin, plum, cherry, stone fruit, banana, and dark fruit. Light smoke and licorice, with some brown sugar, caramel, toffee, and bourbon. Spicy alcohol, too. So wonderful.”
Flavor: “A delicious mix of vanilla, dark chocolate, black licorice, molasses, coconut, and dark fruity esters of cherry and plum. A strong malt backbone coupled with a healthy roast and smoke note keep the beer from getting too cloying.”
Overall: “It’s a wonderful blend of everything one would expect from a barrel-aged imperial stout. It’s like drinking Panda licorice with a touch of smokiness that continues into the finish. The barrel aging added a depth to the flavor profile of dark fruits and coffee notes, and with some age, it will only get better.”
