For our second trip into my fridge we go to a beer brewed a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…I mean Connecticut. Today’s selection is Imperial Stout Trooper from New England Brewing Company (NEBC). NEBC was started up in 2001 in Woodbridge, CT by Rob Leonard.
The Simpsons creator Matt Groening once said that “Copyright infringement is the most sincerest form of flattery.” That’s what caught my eye about this beer, the liberal use of one of the most famous copyrights the world, Star Wars, for its’ label. Growing up on these movies, toys, comics, etc, my inner SW geek (not to mention my outer beer geek) had to try this beer. Ironically enough, it just so happens that this past weekend marked the 32nd anniversary of the release of the original movie (oh it’s going to get geekier then this, you’ve been warned). I picked up this beer during one of my many travels to Bierkraft in Brooklyn.
Name: Imperial Stout Trooper
Brewery Location: Woodbridge, CT
Style: Russian Imperial Stout
ABV: 8.5%
Package: 12oz bottle w/a hand glued label. (Note: NEBC cans most of their beers.)
Availability: Limited (Note: It’s not even listed on their website.)
This beer has fallen to the dark side: Pours a vicious black w/a thick brown head full of tiny bubbles.
The force is also strong w/this beer: Has rich chocolaty & coffee aromas.
But there’s still good in it: Surprisingly lighter in taste then it appears at first. Then, it hits you w/a raw flavor blast of baker’s chocolate w/a slightly bitter finish that lingers.
Overall, this beer is holds its’ own and then some w/any other beer in this category. A definite must have for RIS drinkers. For food pairing purposes, it’s all about chocolate desserts with this one.
May The Beer Be With You.
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