(now owned by Krebs Brewing Company)
13% ABV
Beer Advocate score - 4.5/5
Untappd score 4.3/5
20C. Imperial Stout
An intensely-flavored, big, dark ale with a wide range of flavor balances and regional interpretations. Roasty-burnt malt with deep dark or dried fruit flavors, and a warming, bittersweet finish. Despite the intense flavors, the components need to meld together to create a complex, harmonious beer, not a hot mess.
Found at Market of Choice
So I am going to let you in on a little secret, don't go to the Willagellespie Road Market of Choice. Their beer section is the worst of the four in Eugene, much like going to a Safeway or an Albertson's (which, of course, are the same thing). Not sure why, just not impressive. Even the campus one is better even though it's smaller. I go to the main MOC on Willamette Street in South Eugene...the Mecca of MOC's you could say. While searching for my latest brew, Claim 52 happened to be providing samples. So I sampled like any smart person would do...which led to me asking him for recommendations. He quickly pointed out the Bomb! as one of his all time favorites. An Imperial Stout that is aged on coffee from Spaceship Earth, cacao nibs, vanilla beans and Chili peppers? Yeah, that is a list of ingredients that could lead to that kind of build up. So, I had to come home with it...and also Fluffier from Claim 52. I mean, after all, the guy was helpful in so many ways...free beer, pointing out a promising beer, oh and free beer. On to the review!
Aroma: The aroma is reminiscent of a sweet chipotle BBQ with hints of vanilla and chocolate. The coffee comes through at the end...nice undertone. 9
Appearance: Very little head that dissipates quickly (the high ABV might have something to do with that?). The liquid is a really lovely dark brown hue that lets no light through. 9
Flavor: Wow! A co-mingling of many flavors! It reminds me of a dark chocolate Mexican Mocha blended with a small amount of vanilla ice cream. Desert in a bottle. The spiciness of the peppers is a nice touch. 9.5
Mouthfeel: Extremely smooth and just the right amount of carbonation. The heat from the spice is low, doesn't make the drink uncomfortable at all. 9
Overall: Apparently, I am late to the Bomb! party. This is probably the most popular beer that I have reviewed. Now I know why. It has many great flavors the co-exist exceptionally well together. I have elevated the Bomb! into my top beers for sure. If you see this beer on the shelf at the store, don't wait, buy it, buy it now. 9
Matt's mark: 4.55/5
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