Let’s kick this off with an outstanding beer, currently in my top ten list. Last winter, Redhook re-released a brew that never should have disappeared. It definitely delivers on its description as an “imperial stout enhanced by coffee and dark malts with a big roasted flavor.” It is a robust stout with a complementing coffee flavor that is distinct enough from the roasted barely to pack a flavorful coffee bite, but is not over powering. Despite being an imperial porter, the alcohol is not a prominent taste as often occurs when the percentage gets a bit higher (not that there’s anything wrong with that). I managed to score a case of it at a ridiculously low price and only have one bottle left. This beer kicked off Redhook’s limited release series which began in ’08. Sadly, I’ve seen no indications that it is coming back for ’09.