Roundhouse Kick Imperial Stout

It’s fortunate that Roundhouse Kick Imperial Stout comes in 330mL bottles, because it contains a mighty 9.2% alcohol. The beer comes from Unterschleißheim, Germany, where it is brewed by Crew Republic.

Roundhouse Kick is a dark brown ale—nearly black—topped with a thin covering of tan head. Sweet and malty to the nose, there are notes of chocolate and dried fruit. The flavour packs a punch (a kick?) with notes of bitter molasses and cocoa. The beer has some heat, too—there’s no doubt that it’s boozy. The mouthfeel is thick and sluggish.

This effort from Crew Republic is likely the strongest Teutonic dark ale I’ve ever encountered, and also one of the most interesting. Strong and rich, but without being oversweet, this beer shows some finesse despite its might.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10.