Appearance

Omnipollo / BrewDog I Wanna Be Your Dog comes in a regular sized can. The outside graphics convey a shaggy fur type effect with competing tones of red and green. The beer pours thick, dark, and has a normal sized espresso colored head to it. The graphic design on the can is interesting, but it makes it difficult to read the brew name and relevant details on the back of the can.

Aroma

You know a beer is big when you pop the tab on the can and your nasal cavity is overwhelmed by beer goodness. Huge coffee and malts before I’ve even managed to tip this into my glass. Once I begin pouring, aromas of almost overwhelming chocolate nibs pour forth. When I have a chance to properly nose the glass I get more buried notes of vanilla, some buried anise or licorice. Just an absolute monster nose. I don’t know if this is bourbon barrel aged, but it certainly presents as if it is.

Flavor

A creamy vanilla mouthfeel up front and then a blast of chocolate nibs all across the palate. Almost immediately the nibs are drowned out by Hulk like bourbon booze notes. The chocolate continues to build as I progress, but the big booze note matches the strength each time. Some mid palate espresso eventually presents itself but is underneath the other dominant flavors. The sweetness on the chocolate initially presents as almost overwhelming to the palate, but over time either my palate becomes adjusted or the sweetness fades against the other flavors.

Balance

With all the flavors dialed to 11 there isn’t much room for nuance, subtly or balance. The chocolate nibs and booze just run roughshod on my palate for the entire experience. I can’t say I have any complaints.

Finish

Delayed vanilla at the end of each sip that fades to milk chocolate sweetness. The finish is very long and as the beer warms up, boozy notes seep into the finish to add some complexity.

Overall

Are you looking for an Imperial Stout to smack your palate around and take you to flavortown? You should probably pour yourself an Omnipollo / BrewDog I Wanna Be Your Dog. Although the balance is completely blown out by enormous flavors of chocolate, espresso, vanilla and barrel influence, this is as Imperial as it gets.

John McTavish

SCORE

6.58

Cost/Point

$1.48

Scoring System

Personal Beer Review: Omnipollo / BrewDog I Wanna Be Your Dog