Head To Head: Grand Teton Black Cauldron vs. Foothills Sexual Chocolate Imperial Stout

Welcome to another Head to Head challenge. Today we start to see which Imperial Stout is truly worthy. Both of today’s Imperial Stouts come from America. The first beer is Grand Teton Black Cauldron from Idaho. The second beer is the Foothills Sexual Chocolate Imperial Stout From my Home state of North Carolina.

As usual the tasting was done blind and to style.

Appearance: Winner – Tie

Caludron – This beer is dominated by the huge head. It is a frothy tan head sitting upon a black beer. The head diminishes quickly leaving little lace.

Sexual – While possessing a smaller head the appearance of this beer is about the same. Black beer with a nice thick tan head that leaves little head as it disappears.

Aroma: Winner – Sexual

Cauldron – The main aromas are all sweet with this. A bit of caramel, chocolate and some fruit are all apparent..

Sexual – This also has a lot of sweetness. Chocolate and caramel start of the aromas but you then get some coffee and some nice roasted smells.

– .

Taste: Winner – Sexual

Cauldron – The sweetness is apparent to start but a nice bitterness slowly builds as a nice complement.

Sexual – Now you can really taste the chocolate. There is a sweet start but then the roasted flavors of the dark malts start to really build. Hints of coffee, grains and hops all make appearances in the flavor providing a very rich palate.

Body/Finish: Winner – Sexual

Cauldron – This has a medium to full body and a short aftertaste.

Sexual – This has a smooth texture, full body and a wonderful bitter aftertaste. Definitely makes you want more.

Overall: Winner – Sexual
I often wish every tasting was a close decision. It provides a bit more excitement when doing these Head to Heads. Unfortunately every so often one beer is just so good that it is head and shoulders above the other. Today is one of those days. I would happily dink the black cauldron. In fact in isolation I would probably say it is a great Imperial Stout. But compared to the Sexual chocolate it just seems a bit ordinary. The sexual Chocolate does everything better. I simply has more aroma, more flavor and a better finish. The fact that it does this without becoming overpowering in any one area is simply stunning. It is going to take something very special to beat this beer. I can’t wait to crack open my last bottle and I will be standing in line when they release the next batch.

~ by alelagerlambic on July 1, 2008.