Head to Head: Grand Teton Black Cauldron vs. Mikkeller Black Hole
Welcome to another Head to Head challenge. Today we continue the quest to find the best Imperial Stout. The first, from America, the Grand Teton Black Cauldron brewed in the state of Idaho. The second beer is from Denmark and is the Mikkeller Black Hole.
As usual the tasting was done blind and to style.
Appearance: Winner – Cauldron
Cauldron – Pours a deep black with a huge tan head. The head disappears quickly leaving little lace.
Hole – Pours black with the smallest of tan heads.
Aroma: Winner – Hole
Cauldron – The aroma is dominated by a strong caramel aroma.
Hole – This has much more aroma. There is a distinct roasted aroma of coffee and some chocolate. There is also a distinct hop aroma.
Taste: Winner – Hole
Cauldron – The sweetness that starts the taste is joined by a moderate hop bitterness that creates a nice balance.
Hole – This is a big beer. There is a tar like quality along with distinct coffee and chocolate tastes. There is almost a whiskey/bourbon character to this beer..
Body/Finish: Winner – Hole
Cauldron – Medium to full body with a short finish.
Hole – This has a very full body with a reasonably bitter finish.
Overall: Winner – Hole
Well the Black Hole comes through as the winner. It really seems to just have more to enjoy. Or maybe I should say it is a more challenging beer. This is the second time I have had this with a group of beer geeks and snobs. I think more people enjoyed it this time. Perhaps it has aged well. At nearly14% it should. But for all its enjoyment I can’t imagine drinking more than one at a time. Of course I would happily have it several times a week and it would definitely be a beer in my cellar. Which brings us to the Cellar Reserve Black Cauldron. This is a great easy drinking Imperial Stout. I could easily drink a lot of this. In that respect it is a great beer. Not overpowering just enjoyable. It just lacks the boldness that is normal for Imperial Stouts.
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