Style: Imperial Stout

ABV: 11%

Pairs well with Devil May Cry 5.

Welcome to another craft beer review for Games And A Glass! This week I am reviewing a beer from Mikkeller Brewing. Mikkeller has numerous locations across the world but its main North American brewery is located in San Diego, California.  The beer for this week will be their Traeblod, an imperial stout brewed with maple syrup and coffee. But of course before going into the review, let’s talk about Mikkeller Brewing.

The history of Mikkeller can be found on their site, and it tells the story of a teacher experimenting with beer.

“In 2006 he was a math and physics teacher that started experimenting with hops, malt and yeast back home in his kitchen in Copenhagen. Today Mikkel Borg Bjergsø exports his micro brewed beer to 40 different countries and is internationally acclaimed as one of the most innovative and cutting edge brewers in the world

 

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WE AIM TO…

… brew beer that challenges the concept of good beer and moves people. We do this by using the best ingredients and work with the most talented and creative minds around the world.

… make quality beers a serious alternative to wine and champagne when having gourmet food.

WE FAIL TO…

… calm down. We are always thinking in new ways and ideas, always working on the next project. Sometimes it’s hard for people to keep up…

… make beer that is watery and tasteless. In our world beer challenges people’s taste buds – whether it’s in a bitter, spicy, sour or fruity manner.

WE LOVE TO…

… explore the existing beer genres by using the best raw material available. The refined product is the aim – not to keep down costs. This leads to very special brews by Mikkeller: Stouts with Vietnamese Kopi Luwak coffee, chipotle chili, lychee fruits – just to name a few.

… cooperate with other breweries around the world, who inspires us and teach us new ways of doing things …

WE HATE TO…

…work with people that don’t give a damn. There are so many wonderful, passionate and honest people in the beer world, why spend time on the rest? …”

Mikkeller’s mainstays include their Windy Hill IPA, Building Blocks pilsner, and Passion Pool gose. Their seasonal releases include Raspberry Blush berliner weisse, Beer Geek Breakfast stout, and Waves IPA.

The notes for Traeblod read “Rich chocolate ganache in the forefront is supported by a warm bourbon spice. Incredible layers of complex cocoa, maple, toasted sweet breads, and coffee allow for a decadent treat.”

And now onto my thoughts!

Nose: Coffee is the main aroma here. There’s a touch of mocha within the coffee that, no pun intended, blends quite nicely. It’s not overbearing like other stouts I’ve experienced and I really appreciate that. There’s also a hint of spice mixed in there somewhere. This combination reminds me of a harsh winter day that is remedied by a delicious hot coffee. As the beer warms up the scent of chocolate starts to appear. I really appreciate how this beer is presenting its aromas as time goes on. I really enjoy this combination and I’m very excited for its taste.

Palate: On the tongue Traeblod has a slight thickness and syrupy feel to it. There’s a bit of the chocolate sweetness on the front end with a hint of spice to it that I really enjoy. I feel like it has just the right amount of chocolate to it, too. As the beer continues to develop, the mocha flavor comes in to round out the beer in a very pleasant way and leaves a dry finish. I really like the sweet and bitter flavors working together for Traeblod. I think it has a fun combination of flavors that mix well together and I appreciate how light the beer is to drink.

Overall: Ultimately I think this is a very good stout. There’s a lot going on with its aromas, but it’s fun to see how it develops as it warms up and sits in the glass longer. Its coffee scent turns into chocolate with a bit of spice. It’s sweet and I really like the reverse effect of going from chocolate to coffee on the palate. At 11 percent alcohol, one of these is more than enough as more of a dessert beer. If you can get your hands on this, I’d highly recommend it!

I’d like to thank you for reading my craft beer review. If there’s ever a craft beer you’d recommend I try and/or review, please let me know and I will try, to the best of my ability, to acquire it! And remember, like a fine alcoholic beverage or a memorable video game, please enjoy in moderation.

While you’re here, feel free to check out The Spirit Shop NJ on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! Located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey and where I currently work, we have dozens of craft beers with new ones coming in weekly! Check us out!