First taste is bittersweet berry, raisins, fresh mint sprigs, cloves, notes of pepper, dark chocolate on the back end. Aftertaste is table wine, herbal hops underneath roasted black malt, bright bitter herb notes on the front of the tongue, spice bundle sustain, dry finish. Thin-medium body. Mouthfeel is warm, round, botanical resin, small bead bubbly.
This is an enjoyable, unique brew, one that challenges both my palate and my overall feel. The promised mint profile is up front and present, particularly strong spearmint, with a tall expression in the aroma and a rich ribbon under a roasted chocolate malt base. However, the body is surprisingly thin for an imperial stout, countered only by a warn and syrupy mouthfeel. The head retention is disappointing for this category, falling to a collar in a minute, then to flat surface in five.
Still, the aroma shines down to the bottom of the glass. It sounds like and tastes like an experimental brew, and on some points it does succeed. Ultimately, I would only recommend this seasonal beer to those who love mint or unique, rare bottles. Lovers of more traditional imperial stouts should seek elsewhere. Mildly recommended.
From the brewery:
"Share This is a series of beers that spotlights unique ingredients and important causes. This decadent imperial stout is inspired by mint chip flavors, recreated by adding spearmint leaves and cacao nibs to a rich base featuring chocolaty notes of its own. 'Share This: Mint Chip' pairs perfectly with supporting Food Forward, who is chipping away at hunger relief across Southern California, reaching over 100,000 people a month with recovered fresh foods. For every bottle produced, we donate $1 to support Food Forward, which donates fresh produce to hunger relief agencies across Southern California."
[source: thebruery.com]
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