Dead Soldier
Fritz & Ken's Ale 30th Anniversary
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Chico, CA USA
Est. 1980
www.sierranevada.com
Brain Damage Quotient = 9.2 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 25.0
Postmortem Brew Review
Inky blackness, the color of spent motor oil.
Sensual roast malt tones. Chocolate notes. Some oatiness.
Nicely foaming two finger head with good lacing on the glass.
Roasted malt and chocolate flavors.; interestingly complex.
Active amount of carbonation.
Nearly no alcohol taste for such a high ABV.
Rich, velvety and full bodied mouth feel.
Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Sensational occasions call for sensational ales. Christmas around the crypt this year was a bit extra special, so we pulled out this beauty to celebrate the day. As is often said, "...it is far better to give than receive." So sharing with close family was especially rewarding for me, and those that tasted were equally excited to receive. Fritz Maytag and Ken Grossman really have something special to celebrate with, right here. This is a one off, singular release to commemorate the 30th year of Sierra Nevada. Certainly, something of a sensation in terms of brewing craft beers for 30 years.
These two pioneers of the craft beer and ale movement would likely be on the "Mount Rushmore" of brewing, if there was ever such a national monument. Hmmm...something worth thinking about. But now, on to the ale. This is one helluva beautiful Imperial Stout. Impressive black color, not unlike that you may have seen while changing the engine oil on your car or truck. Rest assured, it tastes equally impressive as the color. Deceptively easy drinking at 9.2% ABV, I found it hard to resist pouring a bit more into my snifter after each sip. No boozy undertones or aftertaste - rather a delicious river of exquisite roast malt flavor and chocolaty backbone. Superior to any I have sampled previously. Okay, I really liked it!
At this writing, it is still available on shelves if you look real hard in you local stores. Worth the price since you'll likely not see it again. Merry Christmas and Happy Anniversary.
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