Stillwater 'Surround' Imperial Oak-Smoked Wheat Stout

Stillwater Artisanal 'Surround' Imperial Oak-Smoked Wheat Stout. 10% abv. Black in color. Two fingers of thick foamy mocha head. Outstanding retention and lacing. Nose of roasted malt, dark chocolate, smokey, dark wood. Front taste of bittersweet dark chocolate, raisins, plum, smoked grain, caramel underneath. Aftertaste of dried dark fruit, botanical bitter herbal, plum, notes of cloves. Full body. Mouthfeel is thick, creamy, astringent, dry finish.

This is an exceptional beer that pulls no punches. The dark chocolate and heavy bitter fruit flavors are held together in a dense, creamy body with an inviting aroma that never subsides. Roasty, malty, herbal, and very smoky, this is a bold beer that steps over traditional flavor profiles. An outstanding innovative brew from an always-interesting artisanal brewery. Strongly recommended.

From the brewery:

"Like a sound system that fills the room with audibles swarming in every direction. This massive stout overtakes your senses with aromas & flavor of dark chocolate, caramel, roast, smoke, earth & wood, It's heavy I know, but you have to drop that bass every once in a while if you really wanna get down."

[source: stillwater-artisanal.com]