I’ve become a fan of Two Brothers’ beers as of late. I like their beers for the opposite reason that others like other breweries. Two Brothers tends to focus more on subtlety as opposed to over-the-top notes of sweetness and complexity. Not that there’s anything wrong with it, but sometimes I would like to take a break.

At 9.1% alcohol by volume, it fits the range of several imperial stouts.  It has a medium brown, (almost espresso) head with generous lacing, followed by a roasted malt nose. On the palate it is surprisingly fairly dry for this style;I’ve found this not as cloying (and I may be as bold to argue, not as sweet)  in comparison to other brands, although I’m sure some would disagree.  There are light espresso and dark roast coffee notes with the toboggan gonflable requisite bitter chocolate undertones. It has hints of smokiness and a more nuanced and clean flavors, in contrast to some of the more cloying imperial stouts that make this an easy drinking brew.

The Northwind Imperial Stout can be purchased at Binny’s and Treasure Island.  It’s $8.99 a six-pack at Binny’s.

–Brian Ziegler