The Swill: Raven's Eye Imperial Stout
The Still: Eel River Brewing Company
Scotia, California
http://www.eelriverbrewing.com
The Drill: Imperial Stout, 22oz bottle, 9.5% ABV
The Spill: This highly carbonated concoction pours a deep, dark brown, opaque in a glass, with a khaki head that you can hear fizz away as it dissipates. The nose is sweet and dark, charged with nine kinds of malt, lending it a chocolately humor with a hint of alcohol. The taste is dark molasses with a light black licorice and bitter finish. The mellow flavors come out more as the beer warms, though it never becomes quite as robust as imperials are known for being.
Says Bill: Eel River boasts being the first certified organic brewery in America, quite possibly the world. They also boast a good deal of awards for their beer, which they've unselfishly shared on their website. What does being organic mean for the quality of beer they produce? I honestly have no idea. Does it mean that no hormones are used in the hops? Does it mean that the raven in the label isn't using steroids? Dunno. But it's pretty good beer.
Refill?: I wouldn't say nevermore to this raven: 3.5 taps out of 5.