Our Score: 97/100
97/100 – An Exceptional Brew from Great Notion Brewing
Recently, I had the pleasure of trying Great Notion Brewing’s Radio Silence 2022, a blend of 21- and 24-month bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout. Fascinating and multi-dimensional, this gorgeous brew was accompanied by a fair share of anticipation, given its creators’ reputation.
Aroma
Embracing this brew begins with the delightfully vibrant aroma which scores a generous 12/20. Upon first whiff, I was instantly enveloped in the warm and inviting scents of dark chocolate, caramel, and coffee. A subtle hint of bourbon danced around the edge, intriguing without overpowering. In just the smallest suggestion of booziness, this beer manages to perfectly balance and complement delicate vinous notes you wouldn’t necessarily expect.
Appearance
A key part of relishing a good brew is its visual appeal, reflected in the appearance score of 3/5. The beauty of this stout, allowed to mature in bourbon barrels for a significant period, is evident in its splendid presentation. A bit like staring into dark, enticing depths, it is a visual foreshadowing of the complexity and sophistication of the flavors at hand.
Flavor
Next, the flavor – and what an intense explosion of it it is – deserves solid 19/20. The taste immediately follows the nose, presenting a sensational blend of dark chocolate, bourbon, and caramel sweetness. Surprisingly, these potent flavors do not overshadow but rather highlight a background of oaky tannin. It might even motivate you to linger on each sip just a little longer, savoring the complex dynamics at play.
Mouthfeel
We definitely cannot skip the mouthfeel, which rates a comfortable 5/10. Being able to describe it as both silky and syrupy might seem paradoxical, but it is precisely what gives this stout its unique identity. Much like the aroma and flavor, the mouthfeel blends effortlessly into the stout’s overarching theme of balance and cohesion.
Editor’s Notes
According to our meticulous editors, this beer boasts “rich barrel char, dark chocolate, bourbon and almond notes in the nose”. As you delve deeper into the drink, its silky and smooth sip impressively evolves, transcending simple chocolate notes to reveal hints of vinous delight, the unexpected twist of roasted peanut butter and a zest of cinnamon spice. Blazing trails where few dare to wander, this brew definitively sets Great Notion Brewing apart in the craft beer landscape.
Final Takeaway
In summary, this exquisite creation is not just a beer, it’s an experience. From its multifaceted aroma, beguiling appearance, and harmonious flavor to its textural depth and thought-provoking editor notes, there’s something here for everyone. But remember, beauty lies in appreciating each element’s role in the grand production – don’t rush it. Sit back, take a sip and let Great Notion Brewing’s Radio Silence 2022 take you on a journey.
Maybe, that’s why they call it radio silence – to truly appreciate it, you need to tune out the rest of the world, and simply tune into the beer’s immersive symphony.
Note to self: ‘Print Shelf Talker’
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Fondest here scored 18/20, making it the highlight of this brew. Deliciously decadent, this stout boasts layers of flavors that truly take your taste buds to heaven and back. The delicate mingling of coffee and chocolate was an unexpected, yet pleasant surprise for this level of bitterness. What stood out was the beer’s well-orchestrated continuity of flavor, delivering a rich depth of boozy tastes, culminating in a delectable finish.
In conclusion, Great Notion Brewing’s Radio Silence 2022 is unquestionably an exceptional brew. With an overall score of 97/100, I would highly recommend it to those looking for a top-notch stout experience. It’s an absolute must-try for any beer enthusiast, and I cannot wait to get my hands on another bottle.
Overall, Great Notion Brewing’s Radio Silence 2022 is a true standout. From its enticing aroma and impeccable presentation to its complex flavor profile and well-rounded finish, this brew earns an exceptional score and is definitely worth trying. Highly recommended for any beer lover!
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The flavor is where Radio Silence 2022 truly shines, earning an impressive 47/50 score. Rich, dark chocolate flavors of the aroma deepen on the tongue, accompanied by the slightest hint of bourbon and vanilla. Coffee and cherry notes bring further complexity to this exceptional brew, ultimately culminating in a smooth and satisfying finish.
In total, I would give this brew a score of 97/100. It is a deeply captivating and rewarding experience for any lover of complex, flavorful stouts, and I highly recommend giving it a try. Cheers to Great Notion Brewing for yet another fantastic creation!
Overall, 97/100 – An exceptional brew indeed. Must try for any stout enthusiast!