Emperor’s Brewery

Yes, it’s still summer. Just the damn beginning, in fact, and it already feels like it’s been summer for years. I had my nod to most people’s summer preferences last week, so now it’s time for my tastes to come back – stout! And not just a stout, imperial stout. And not just imperial stout, but chocolate! And coconut. Coconut is also good. It was really the name that called to me, though. How could I not pay attention to something called Hokey Religion? From Emperor’s Brewery, no less. Welcome to the dark side!

Black, black, black, and while fizzy, not much head accumulates. The adjuncts are evident from a whiff; I’m getting a good amount of marzipan. Flavorwise, it has more liquor than simple stout. There’s a wine-y tang, a slight whiskey burn, and not a whole lot of sweetness, actually. The beer has body and soul, very mouthfilling yet drinkable. At its 12.6% it does pack a punch right away, so not one you really want to indulge in on an empty stomach. It smooths out with some time, though, getting even easier and more dangerous to drink. These days are not for savoring this kind of beer right on the street, unfortunately, but hidden away in a little cave and lurking in the shadows feels just right for this brew. I don’t know if I could stand wearing a hood, though.

Supplier: Más Que Cervezas
Price: €9.30