Clown Shoes is rapidly becoming one of my go to breweries, their beers have proven to be tasty and interesting. A few weeks ago I had the Vampire Slayer on draft, but didn’t take notes for a review. When I found it again in a bottle I had to pick one up.

Out of the 22 ounce bottle the Vampire Slayer pours out almost jet black with a one finger dark tan head. The head fades but does leave some nice spotted lacing on the glass. Aromas of dark chocolate, vanilla, caramel, and roasted malt come out. There are hints of smoke and coffee as well that play well with the other aromas. Even though the Vampire Slayer is 10% ABV, there is no hint of alcohol on the nose.

Roasted malts play heavily throughout the beer, especially at the beginning. Elements of dark chocolate, toffee, a touch of sweetness, and coffee intermingle as well. The light smoke from the nose is present too, lightly working its way through the chocolate and malt. The finish has a nice bitter hoppiness that closes out the beer well. For the mouth feel, its full-bodied and a bit creamy.

The Vampire Slayer is one of the better Imperial Stouts that I have had in the past year. There is a ton of roasted malts that could hopefully mellow out with age, but even fresh this is a delicious beer. It also shows that Clown Shoes is going to be a force to be reckoned with as they continue to grow. I suggest getting two bottles of this beer, one for now and one for later.

Rating

91
out of 100