Name: Imenso
Brewer: Anarchy Brew Co. (UK), Blend Brewing Co. (Brazil)
Style: Wood-Aged Beer (Base Style: Imperial Stout)
ABV: 11%
Review Year: 2022
Imenso is the result of a collaborative effort between Anarchy Brew Co. (UK) and Blend Brewing Co. (Brazil). This Imperial Stout has been conditioned on Amburana wood, which is sourced from the lush forests of South America. The purpose of this wood treatment is to infuse the beer with a distinctive warm and spicy character, expected to be achieved within a relatively short extraction time.
Backlog review from February 2022.
STYLE GUIDELINES
This beer is being evaluated as a Wood-Aged Beer (33A) with the Imperial Stout (20C) as the base style in the context of the 2021 Beer Style Guidelines of the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP). The most current version can be found on the BJCP website.
TASTING NOTES
Aroma
The aroma is dominated by moderately high dark chocolate, accompanied by fruity coffee and hints of fig. There is a subtle presence of alcohol and cinnamon that add depth.
Appearance
Imenso pours a deep brown color, presenting itself with a very thin brown head that dissipates quickly.
Flavor
This Imperial Stout delivers a rich and decadent dark chocolate flavor as its centerpiece, supported by delicate notes of fruity coffee, fig, cinnamon, and molasses. The bitterness and sweetness are both balanced at a medium intensity that complements the overall taste profile. The wood presence in the beer is subtle but effective. The finish is long-lasting, leaving behind impressions of cacao powder and molasses.
Mouthfeel
Medium-full-bodied; medium-low level of carbonation.
THE VERDICT
In summary, Imenso is a highly enjoyable wood-conditioned Imperial Stout. The decadent chocolate flavor stands out as the beer’s defining characteristic. The balance between bitterness and sweetness contributes to its overall drinkability. Our perception of cinnamon validates what Amburana wood could contribute to the beer, which was noted in the commercial description. However, this Imperial Stout could benefit from a more pronounced and intense aroma and a fuller body.
Related Reviews:
Anarchy Brew Co.
Blend Brewing Co.
Craft Beer from the UK
Craft Beer from Brazil
