Wow…my first post. This is ceremonious for me. Much like the first time I kissed Maria Rossi in 5^th grade, or the first time I caught a football thrown by Lucas Fracisoni, the all-time quarterback, in the 3^rd. (Side note: I hate all-time quarterbacks.) I am both anxious to brave this new dailyhops world yet timid as to the harsh criticism I might receive from my reviews. What I am trying to say is this…chillax, enjoy and shut up.

Produced here in North Ridgeville, Ohio, the Mad Brewer has quickly become a prominent Cleveland microbrewery. Their Imperial Stout, appropriately named “Black Storm” has an eclectic mix of spices that packs a punch in the spice department. This is one of their best sellers and I can see why. It has an intense flavor profile that’ll makes you auto-jones for chocolate. Mmmmmm…maybe a chocolate dessert trio of chocolate-beer ice cream, chocolate pot de crème and chocolate-filled beignets. This beer, whose “chocolate” comes not from cocoa, but from dark-roasted malt the color of chocolate, would make an almost perfect match. Do not let the beer’s thick pour and almost non-existent carbonation turn you off…think of Black Storm’s dark, roasted flavors as more like a decadent, adult version of a cup of espresso. Enjoy!

Specs: 22oz bottle
12% ABV