Ten Fidy

The latest batch of imperial stout/motor oil to find its way into my larder was the delightfully named Ten Fidy--you guessed it, a 10.5% bomb. This bruiser comes from Brevard, North Carolina and the Oskar Blues Brewery. With its silver and black 355mL cans, it felt appropriate to down this mighty ale while watching my beloved Oakland Raiders play.

Ten Fidy was a midnight black grog with a thick cloud of tan head. It had a potent nose that reverberated with roasted malt, coffee, and chocolate notes, superimposed over a boozy base. A thick mouthfeel contains a flavour rich in cocoa and dark malt elements. Behind the malty front end, there was a sassy bitterness.

Ten Fidy came to me by way of the righteous and rad MM; one of the First Ladies of Matthews, NC. Sweet and strong, this imperial stout would make a great dessert beer, though you'd risk drowning all but the most flavourful of sweets.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10.