Beer Man: Clown Shoes packs a wallop
Beer Man is a weekly profile of beers from across the country and around the world.
This week: Blaecorn Unidragon
Mercury Brewing Co., Ipswich, Mass.
Brewed under the Clown Shoes brand, Blaecorn Unidragon is a 750ml Russian imperial stout that packs a wallop with a 12.5% alcohol content.
The hops are strong, but so is the intense flavor with black patent, caramel and chocolate grains combining into a malty stew that holds its own against the bitterness.
The pour produced a thick, light chocolate-colored head, and lots of lacing was evident. Roasted malt and coffee were prominent in the aroma.
The flavor had a lot going for it, with molasses, dark fruit, dark chocolate, coffee and a hint of smoke in the background. There was an intense bitterness to the coffee aspects, but the creamy, oily body countered that by leaving a slick, pleasant mouthfeel — not thick or syrupy.
The sweetness was enough to bring out the flavors and was tempered by the amount of hops, which are more than usually found in a Russian imperial stout but not out of bounds. I liked that the hop flavor did not interfere with the malts.
There was no boozy aftertaste despite the high ABV, and the flavors had a lingering finish that held me through until the next sip.
I like that Blaecorn Unidragon is a year-round beer — I can drink Russian imperial stouts 12 months of the year. The brewery's other year-round offerings include Brown Angel, a double brown ale; Muffin Top Belgian tripel India pale ale; Hoppy Feet, a 1.5 double black India pale ale; and Chocolate Sombrero Mexican-Style, a chocolate stout.
That's an impressive portfolio to produce throughout the year. Its seasonals include Bombay Berzerker, an Indian-style chocolate stout with flavors of chai tea; Crunkle Sam barleywine; Genghis Pecan, a pecan pie porter; and Luchador en Fuego, the Chocolate Sombrero aged in bourbon barrels.
Clown Shoes beers are available in about 26 states. Its Beer Finder link is here. The brand is contract-brewed by Mercury Brewing Co.
Many beers are available only regionally. Check the brewer's website, which often contains information on product availability. Contact Todd Haefer at beerman@postcrescent.com. To read previous Beer Man columns Click here.