Country of Origin: United States
Availability: Winter seasonal; couldn't get it in Connecticut, but New York had it.
Price comparison: About $1 to $2 more per six-pack than the average domestic national brand.
Alcohol percentage by volume: 8%
Cute bottle/label? Twelve-ounce standard-shaped bottle with a bright red label.
Appearance: Dark, nearly black, but glowing burgundy when held to the light. Sparse brown head with very little lacing.
Scent: Raspberry (duh), chocolate, burnt malt, chicory, with a smokiness throughout.
Flavor: Bitter chocolate with more raspberry apparent as it warmed; not much hops but a pleasant alkalinity in the middle. Sweet but not cloying raspberry-and-malt finish.
Impressions: Neither as sweet as Chambord nor as creamy as a traditional stout, but an interesting combination of the two concepts. Tasted odd with food, but would go nicely after dinner. And with its 8% ABV, I would recommend a full meal before having this one.
Will I buy this beer again? Yes, I want more of this, and soon.
Rating:
4 out of 5 cute beer glasses
Reviewed: May 30, 2004
