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Wake Up Dead Oak Aged Imperial Stout, Lefthand Brewing Company, Longmont
Style: Imperial stout
ABV: 10.2 percent
Serving Type: 22-ounce bomber
Malty? Hoppy? Malty, especially in the nose.
Reviewed: March 2013
As a new mom, this beer’s title was particularly appealing, because most mornings I feel like the waking dead. But, as a beer reviewer, I know not to judge a brew by its packaging. Fortunately, Wake Up Dead delivered on flavor.
This imperial stout—isn’t “imperial” becoming synonymous for a too-high alcohol content?—is barrel-aged, which lends the brew enough complexity (hints of raisins and licorice) to mask the high ABV. It poured a dark brown that looked almost black, with a toffee-colored head. (One gripe: The head’s lacing is a bit weak, and disappears quickly.) This brew was much smoother than I expected, with lots of cherry notes. Not so many that I felt like I was drinking a pie, but the kind that made me wish that I was also eating dessert.
Would we buy it again? Sure, as long as the winter storms keep holding off spring.
