(C) 2017 popsonhops
Tasting: May 21, 2017
Style: American Double / Imperial Stout
Beer #: 1,059
ABV: 8.3%
Big Gruesome Chocolate Peanut Butter Stout
I’m fresh off the discussion of what defines an adjunct in beer. As a quick refresher, there are some that in order for it to be called an adjunct, it needs to be fermentable (yeast food). Things like honey or corn syrup come to mind. Others say adjuncts are simply any additives to beer outside the primary ingredients. Think things like peanut butter. It doesn’t lend to fermentation, yet it is an ingredient. I didn’t pick a side last time, but if push came to shove, I’d call any additive outside the primary ingredients an adjunct.
This peanut butter stout comes from Pennsylvania brewer, Spring House. Originally from Conestoga, Pennsylvania, the brewery relocated to downtown Lancaster in July of 2015. The name of the brewery relates to a freshwater spring located in the basement of the brewer’s house.
Big Gruesome Label
Wish I had more information on the label art because I really dig the simplistic, retro, sci-fi comic book style. Seems like a recurring theme as even the interior of the brewery is painted to match. See painting story by Two Dudes. A company called Hand Carved Graphics seems to have some work with the brewery and a few labels. But no information on this particular label. Anyway, If I only had some time. And it’s beer time.
Tasting Big Gruesome
The brewery describes Big Gruesome Peanut Butter Stout as being intense with roasted flavors from chocolate malt and cacao nibs. Spring House Brewing then ages this American double stout on vanilla beans and more raw cacao nibs. Peanut butter is also added throughout the entire brewing process.
Expected some chalky phony peanut butter flavoring but Big Gruesome Chocolate Peanut Butter Stout is really authentic and well-balanced. Smooth creamy milk chocolate fake rolex and nutty. Slightly on the sweet side. I don’t get the advertised intense roasted flavors but frankly, I’m glad. In conclusion, I’ll put Big Gruesome at 91 points.
