Tommyknocker Imperial Nut Brown Ale

Hmmm ... twice as nutty

By JASON + TODD ALSTRÖM

del.ico.us | digg it! | reddit!

print | email | 0 Comments

Though the beer term "imperial" once solely belonged to Russian Imperial Stouts of the 1800s—brewed for the Russian czar by UK brewers—imperial (or double) has been hijacked by today's brewers to simply denote a beer brewed to be bigger and bolder, compared to a particular style's norm. We predict that one day every style and sub-style of beer, like India Pale Ale, Pilsner and Witbier, will be imperialized or doubled (same thing) to create new beer experiences for those looking for more. Some purists may have a problem with this, but we love the direction.

And that brings us to this week's tasting, an Imperial Nut Brown Ale from the Tommyknocker Brewery in Idaho Springs, Colo. No, it doesn't contain any actual nuts. The term comes from the fact that some of the malt combinations used in brewing Brown Ales often result in a nutty flavor, and Nut Brown Ales also tend to be drier and less fruity, which brings out this nutty character even more.

To commemorate 10 years of brewing, Tommyknocker took their Maple Nut Brown Ale and amped it up. It's brewed with pure maple syrup, chocolate and crystal malts, and spiced with a blend of American and European hops. The final result weighs in at 9.8-percent alcohol by volume.

The Taste

Quick to foam, the tiny bubbled head stays together for a good while. Color is a few shades from black, sporting ruby edges in the light. Big aroma of buttery toffee, with hints of cake batter, maple, toasted bread and raisins. Full creamy mouthfeel, with some smoothness from the mild carbonation. Supersized malt character with flavors of buttery toffee, milk chocolate, maple syrup, brown sugar, mild espresso and brownies. Hops are on the back burner, but come to life quickly with some offsetting bitterness. The alcohol is warming—a spicy balancing act that complements the malt with dried plum and raisin flavors. Sweet finish of sugary dark malts, never cloying.

Final Thoughts

Though the "nut" gets lost in the massive complexities of this beer ... wow, what a killer malt bomb this is! Very drinkable, but it's a sipper, and a great pick for pairing with chocolates or a bowl of warm, spiced mixed nuts. This would, no doubt, be a fine match to a robust cigar, too.

Available now in six- and 12-packs and limited draft accounts.

FOR MORE INFO: TOMMYKNOCKER.COM

FOR MORE BEER EDUCATION: BEERADVOCATE.COM

RESPECT BEER.