Laughing Dog Brewing's The Dogfather

With all the hype surrounding some other stouts on the market, I've been itching to try this one. From Laughing Dog Brewing, in Idaho, this is The Dogfather. Described as an imperial stout aged in old bourbon barrels, and 10.85% abv, this should be fun!

The Dogfather pours out as black as molasses (if not darker) and almost syrupy. The foam is a dark coffee color, which fades fairly quickly, but doesn't disappear. The foam sticks to the glass a fair bit, but without the typical "lacing" look.

The nose is full of rich butterscotch, toffee, caramel, molasses, and even some dark chocolate. The nose isn't sweet though, it lingers somewhere between the malty sweetness and hoppy bitterness.

On the palate, the Dogfather definitely has a little backbone of chocolate. The boozy nature from the bourbon barrels comes through on the palette nicely, without being over-powering. Just like the aromas, this fits beautifully between hoppy and malty. There are some nice notes of sweetness, as well as just the right amount of hops.

This is really the first stout I've ever really been a big fan of. I mean, I've like other stouts in the past, like Southern Tier Choklat, but never had one that I really, really liked. This Dogfather is quite enjoyable. It is sweet enough that I don't mind taking another sip, dark enough that I feel like I'm drinking a real beer, and bold enough to keep the beer-sissies away from my glass.

Laughing Dog Brewing
The Dogfather Imperial Stout
TCSH Rating - 9/10
Aka - Great stout, I want to try more!
Eli
Bibo ergo sum