Vampire Slayer, Clown Shoes

Imperial American Stout, 22oz bomber poured into Ommegang goblet. I paid $8.49 for my bottle.

What they said :

"In a world full of uncertainty, hardship, and people trying to hold us back, do we need Vampires, too? Clown Shoes says, "No! Die, monsters, die!"

Our second anniversary ale incorporates signature dark malts, holy water, and malt smoked locally with hickory, ash, and vampire killing stakes".




Interesting that the above label reads "Smoked Imperial Stout" while the label on my bottle has "Imperial American Stout". No bottled on date (disappointing but not that essential for a big beer like this - if it was an IPA I'd be concerned).
Pours as expected - pitch black with a thin tan collar, very appetizing!
Roasted malt, toasty, licorice, chocolate - stale cigarettes (and for what it matters I'm a non-smoker)! ABV may be 10% but alcohol is well disguised, not overly boozy. Another surprise is the fairly thin mouthfeel for such a big beer, not as chewy or as much of a sipper as I typically like but no matter this is another impressive effort from Clown Shoes.

Rating : B maybe B+

This is the third Clown Shoes beer I've tried in earnest since they have been unleashed on the MN market and I've been impressed with all of them, so far (Chocolate Sombrero, Eagle Claw Fist). This is another solid offering from this 3 year old upstart. I'll be interested to compare Vampire Slayer with Blaecorn Unidragon, a bottle of which is  (not so) patiently awaiting in my beer fridge. According to the blog it seems they are expanding at a rapid pace and are now distributing to Wisconsin.