Our Score: 93/100
Detailed Review: Deep Ellum Brewing Company Darkest Hour
Overall Score: 93/100
Deep Ellum Brewing Company’s Darkest Hour provides a full-bodied, robust, and unique experience that definitely sets it apart in the saturated world of craft brewing. Originally based in Dallas, Texas, this brewing company is known to be a rebel in the local craft beer scene. Now, with their Darkest Hour, they have an offering that truly captures and highlights their innovative and defiant spirit.
Intense Aroma – Score: 12
One of the preeminent qualities of this imperial stout is its intense and absorbing aroma. It’s a sensory journey that quoting one of our panel members, is akin to “being in Seoul, Korea in the middle of summer, walking by groups of wannabe thugs smoking clove cigarettes, while savoring an Americano, red-bean shaved ice, and some almond milk boba.” It offers a motley of scents, with dark fruit esters like plum and fig especially prominent.
Appealing Appearance – Score: 3
The appearance of Darkest Hour is just as appealing and inviting as its aroma, warranting a solid score of 3. Its inviting appearance, shadowy shade and silky texture can pique any stout lover’s interest from afar. The enticing darkness of the brew mirrors its name impeccably.
Exquisite Flavor – Score: 19
The palette of Darkest Hour is a symphony of flavors. With a moderate profile of chocolate and coffee, light roast, a touch of bitterness, and a potpourri of dark cherry, fig, plum, and dates, it is a mezcla of tastes that beguile your taste-buds. The harmonious play of these flavors, along with an unexpected touch of umami and a lingering aftertaste of dark chocolate and cherry, makes for a remarkable taste experience. The hops bitterness only makes this stout more balanced and structured, with a hint of toasty malt acting as the close, offering a delicate reminder of the crust of fresh-baked French bread.
Mouthfeel – Score: 4
Darkest Hour is a heavyweight in terms of mouthfeel as well. Its rich and full-bodied texture fills the mouth, without being cloyingly sweet. Every sip leaves a lasting impression, with the ale yeast adding depth and the Belgian-style dark candi syrup balancing the brew with an appealing sweetness.
Final Verdict
All in all, Deep Ellum Brewing Company’s Darkest Hour is a standout imperial stout offering. It is bold yet balanced, combining a complex aroma, an attractive appearance, a plethora of flavours, and a significant mouthfeel into one exceptional beer. The dark chocolate and fruity undertones of cherry, figs and dates dominate this stout making it an interesting and inviting pour. If you love full-bodied ales that aren’t overly sweet but pack an abundance of flavor and body, Darkest Hour is a splendid choice to consider.
Kimchi fried rice all at once.” The strong scents of roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and a hint of smoke create a captivating and alluring experience for the olfactory senses. This intensity is a standout feature that adds to the overall enjoyment of the beer.
Rich Flavor – Score: 19
The flavor profile of Darkest Hour is just as impressive as its aroma. The initial sip reveals a complex blend of roasted malt, espresso, and bitter dark chocolate. As it progresses, notes of caramel, toffee, and a subtle sweetness emerge, balancing out the robustness of the stout. The finish is long-lasting and satisfying, leaving a pleasant bitterness on the palate. This depth of flavor is a testament to the craftsmanship and expertise of Deep Ellum Brewing Company.
Smooth Texture – Score: 17
Despite its bold flavors, Darkest Hour manages to maintain a smooth and velvety texture. The beer coats the mouth in a luxurious and indulgent manner, enhancing the overall drinking experience. The carbonation is just right, providing a gentle effervescence that complements the creamy mouthfeel. This smoothness adds another layer of complexity and enjoyment to the beer.
Visually Appealing – Score: 15
Not only does Darkest Hour excel in terms of taste and aroma, but it also catches the eye with its visually appealing presentation. The beer pours a deep, opaque black color with a thick tan head that lingers. The lacing left on the glass as you drink adds to the aesthetic appeal. This attention to detail in both flavor and appearance showcases Deep Ellum Brewing Company’s commitment to producing quality craft beers.
Overall Impression – Score: 30
Deep Ellum Brewing Company’s Darkest Hour is a standout imperial stout that delivers on all fronts. From its intense aroma to its rich flavor, smooth texture, and visually appealing appearance, this beer is a true testament to the art and creativity of craft brewing. With a score of 93/100, it’s clear that this offering from Deep Ellum Brewing Company is a must-try for any beer enthusiast looking for a unique and enjoyable drinking experience.
Freshly baked chocolate croissants.” The combination of roasted malt, chocolate, coffee, and slight hints of spice creates a complex and enticing aroma that immediately draws you in.
Rich Flavor – Score: 18
The flavor profile of Darkest Hour is equally remarkable as its aroma. With its bold and robust taste, this imperial stout delivers rich notes of dark chocolate, roasted coffee, and caramel. Its velvety smooth texture adds to the overall experience, making every sip a decadent treat.
Smooth Finish – Score: 15
Despite its bold flavors and high alcohol content, Darkest Hour manages to maintain a smooth finish. The balance of flavors and the careful brewing process result in a beer that goes down easily, leaving a pleasant, lingering taste on the palate.
Overall Impression – Score: 18
Deep Ellum Brewing Company’s Darkest Hour is a standout in the craft beer world. From its intense aroma to its rich flavor and smooth finish, this imperial stout showcases the innovative and rebellious spirit of the brewery. With a score of 93/100, it’s clear that this beer is one to savor and enjoy.
Spicy tteokbokki all at the same time.” The aroma is a complex blend of roasted malts, dark chocolate, coffee, and a hint of dark fruits. It’s truly an invitation to dive into the beer and explore its depths.
Rich and Complex Flavor – Score: 18
The flavor profile of Darkest Hour is a symphony of bold and rich notes. It begins with a strong roasted malt flavor, accompanied by hints of bitter dark chocolate and espresso. As you continue to sip, subtle notes of caramel and toffee emerge, adding a touch of sweetness to balance the bitterness. The finish is slightly smoky and leaves a pleasant, lingering aftertaste on the palate.
Velvety Smooth Mouthfeel – Score: 20
The mouthfeel of this imperial stout is truly exceptional. It has a velvety smoothness that coats the tongue and creates a luxurious drinking experience. The carbonation is moderate, allowing the flavors to shine without overpowering the palate. The body is full and rich, yet not overly heavy, making it a beer that can be enjoyed throughout the year.
Impressive Packaging and Design – Score: 18
The packaging of Deep Ellum Brewing Company’s Darkest Hour is as captivating as the beer itself. The label features a sleek and bold design, with a dark color scheme that perfectly matches the beer’s name and style. It’s evident that the brewery has put thought and effort into creating a visually appealing package that captures the essence of the beer.
Final Thoughts
Deep Ellum Brewing Company’s Darkest Hour is a masterpiece of an imperial stout. It combines intense aromas, rich and complex flavors, a velvety smooth mouthfeel, and impressive packaging to create a truly exceptional beer. Whether you’re a fan of stouts or looking to explore the world of craft beer, this is a brew that should not be missed. With a score of 93/100, it’s clear that this beer is a standout in its category.
Sweet and savory street food.” The combination of rich chocolate, roasted malt, espresso, and hints of dark fruits creates a complex and enticing scent that draws you in with every sniff.
Flavor Explosion – Score: 19
The flavor profile of Deep Ellum Brewing Company’s Darkest Hour is a symphony of bold and indulgent notes. The initial sip greets your taste buds with a wave of bittersweet dark chocolate and roasted coffee, followed by a subtle sweetness from caramel and molasses. As you continue to indulge, layers of dark fruits, vanilla, and smoky undertones reveal themselves, adding depth and complexity to the overall experience. The balance between bitterness and sweetness is artfully executed, leaving you craving for more.
Smooth and Velvety Texture – Score: 18
One aspect that truly sets this imperial stout apart is its luxurious mouthfeel. The beer coats your palate with a smooth and velvety texture, enhancing the overall tasting experience. The carbonation is gentle, allowing the flavors to linger and evolve on your tongue. It’s a beer that begs to be savored and enjoyed slowly, as it envelops your senses with each sip.
Overall Impression – Score: 20
Deep Ellum Brewing Company’s Darkest Hour is a masterpiece that showcases the skill and creativity of this rebellious craft brewery. From its intense aroma to its flavor explosion and silky texture, this imperial stout is a stand-out in its category. It’s a beer that appeals to both seasoned craft beer enthusiasts and those venturing into the world of dark and complex brews. Whether you’re sipping it on a cozy winter evening or pairing it with a hearty meal, Darkest Hour is a beer that will leave a lasting impression.
Overall Score: 93/100
This review is based on our personal experience and opinion. Please drink responsibly and legally.
Overall, Deep Ellum Brewing Company’s Darkest Hour impresses with its bold and complex flavors, rich aroma, and smooth texture. It is a top-notch imperial stout that offers a unique and enjoyable experience for craft beer enthusiasts.