This is a first! Well, OK, a second: Cigar City Raspberry Halo, which I bought at Total Wine about a year ago and socked away in my beer fridge. It’s not the first beer I’ve enjoyed from this Tampa, Florida brewer, not by a long stretch. Up to recently, however, I’ve only seen the canned staples here in Georgia-not the bomber sized specialty beers.

The second of these I came across was Cigar City Raspberry Halo Imperial Stout. I drank my bottle on a warm Georgia Sunday afternoon, and it was refreshing indeed. Now I know, a high alcohol imperial stout may not seem like a summer quencher, but as a sipping brew it works just fine. The bright raspberry does not hurt.

From the label:

Halos often signify enlightenment, harmony, and majesty, sentiments that all come to mind when contemplating this rich and complex beer.  Crested atop this imperial stout is a radiant crown of juicy raspberries offering pronounced fruitiness and acidity to balance the beer’s formidable body.  Heavy, indeed, is the head that wears the halo.

Cigar City Raspberry Halo Imperial Stout has an alcohol content of 10.7% by volume with 40 IBUs. I paid $14.99 for my bottle, which is higher than I think it should be.

Cigar City Raspberry Halo Imperial Stout pours to a jet-black color with a thick creamy tan head and an insanely fruity raspberry nose. Taking a sip, the beer is full and rich in mouthfeel with dark roasty notes, bittersweet dark chocolate, and lush, permeating bright raspberry fruit. Finishes dark roasty and bright fruity, wow! Dark chocolate covered raspberries with a warming alcohol finish is what this beer reminds me of.

I’m tempted to give it a full five starts, friends, but I think I’ll leave it a half star shy thanks to the high price.

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.

(B)=Bottled

(D)=Draft

 



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