Taking its name from a peculiar species of tusked Arctic whale that survives the pitch-black depths of upto (or rather down to) 1500 metres, Narwhal Imperial Stout from California’s Sierra Nevada Brewing Co is a deliciously dark, tremendously rich and unbelievably complex Russian Imperial Stout.

Pouring into the suggested ‘snifter’ glass a thick, viscous oil-slick black with a head reminiscent of a perfect espresso coffee shot, this is a beer that grabbed my attention from the outset – it actually looked like it was going to be well worth drinking and I couldn’t wait to try. Darker than the deep-sea feeding grounds of it’s namesake. Very brief head retention – almost completely dissipated in just a few minutes.

On the nose – coffee, chocolate and a hint of licorice, hops and fruits – deeply rich and enticing.

The long awaited taste was no disappointment – in fact it exceeded all expectations. The thick, velvety smooth feel, with a super-massive hit of roasted malt as expected, coupled with all the expected coffee, chocolate and hop notes. Slight smokiness. Astonishingly rich and complex and tremendously well balanced. Slightly noticeable boozy alcohol taste to it, but you’re going to get that at this kind of strength in any case. Beautiful lingering finish just begging to be replaced with another wave of flavour.

This RIS is up there with the best, and for me it eclipses previous favourites such as Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout and shakes a menacing fist at Stone Brewing Co’s Imperial Russian Stout. Yes, it’s that good.

Narwhal is one seriously dangerous beer. It is insanely drinkable, which at 10.2% is no mean feat. It is a beer that you could happily chew your way through a few of before it crept up on you and moved the floor.

Conclusion:

Frankly stunning on every level and according to Sierra Nevada themselves, likely to age very well. I don’t see how it could get much, if any better at all. All beer should be this good. It really is hard to fault. My only gripes would be cost and availability, and that’s not really unusual when it comes to US craft beers in this the UK.

Thanks to Lee at The Magnet once again getting a bit giddy over the James Clay catalogue, I’ve been fortunate to try not only one of the best Imperial Stouts that I’ve ever tasted, but one of the best beers I’ve ever tasted.

You’re probably about as likely to find a Narwhal swimming up the Thames as you are to find this in your local, but if you do see this beast anywhere on your travels, grab it with both hands whatever the price. You won’t regret it.

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