Imperial Stout Trooper

Elm City Wino, why have you neglected us the past few days? Well, kids, it's the end-of-the-month, which is a busy time for the wine industry. After such long days (40 hrs. in 3 days), I'm not feeling up to a good bottle of wine. So we've gone back to my first love, craft beer.
The fellas over at New England Brewing have released their new stout, Imperial Stout Trooper ($). It's another of their limited-run beer-in-a-bottle deals. (NEBco is usually known for their artistry in cans). The bottle design is themed after Star Wars, font and all. Damn you, Google, for not having a pic. up yet.
Normally when a brewer "themes" their beer, it's because the beer sucks. This is not the case with IST. While there is a slight nod to Guinness, there are some delightful hints of coffee, licorice, and nuts.
I first had the opportunity to taste this beer during its unveiling at BAR during the St. Patrick's Day Parade. I found it to be a little too carbonated on tap, but after catching the same carbonation in the bottle, I am excited about the possibility of aging this beer. I look forward to opening it in about 5 years and feeling like I just opened a 50 year old Russian Black Ale.
Wine Thief and Amity Wine & Spirit have some left to take home. (I got mine at Northeast Beverage in Killingly, CT where it's hidden in the back room). Carlos at Firehouse 12 has a few left for by-the-bottle drinking, while Delaney's and Eli Cannon's in Middletown have it by the cask (or at least will in the next few days).
ed. note: eli cannons is the effing bomb

Some tasting notes: This beer is just as good at room temperature as it is from the fridge, if not better. Straight up pint glass.

Cheers.