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Monday, January 18, 2010

Day 18 Drink: Oskar Blues Ten Fidy Imperial Stout


Oskar Blues Brewery had a brilliant idea when it started brewing in Lyons, Colo., in 2002. Craft beer in a can.

They figured what was good for Natural Light and Milwaukee's Best would be even better for Dale's Pale Ale. In the beginning, they used a ridiculous table top machine to seal one can at a time, but the idea took root. And why not. Craft beer fans heading to the beach or park should not have to compromise.

Pale ale in a can is one thing. Imperial stout is something else all together. Ten Fidy Imperial Stout's can has the tag line "this dog'll hunt." At 10.5 percent alcohol by volume, hopefully it hunts before the top is popped. This brew is as black as a liquid can get, with a rich chocolate brown head. The first thing you notice is that this is a beautiful beer with viscosity.

Ten Fidy is a revelation in your glass. Rich, robust and bursting with roasted malt characteristics. Yet smooth and coating, with a warming finish. Chocolate, malt and cafe au lait all combine in the flavor profile. As far from a session beer as you can get, this ale still leaves you wanting the next one.

1 comment:

Daniel said...

I had the Ten-Fidy for the first time the other day and, while I really enjoyed it, I thought it was less complex than my current favorite of the style, North Coast's Old Rasputin (I'm sure there are other imperial stouts that trump this one, too -- I just haven't had them yet).

Of course, this is not to say I don't look forward to drinking the three still left in the fridge.