Wicked Dark Imperial Stout from Baxter brewing
When you think you are finally done with winter, yet another snow storm hits and reminds you that New England is that place where it isn’t over until the stout lady sings. So with that in mind, we look at another stout offering from our friends up at Baxter Brewing Company in Lewiston, Maine.
Baxter Brewing is located in the Bates Mill building which is part of the up and coming Lewiston / Auburn area of Maine. Luke Livingston homebrewed during his stint at Clark University. In preparing for his future, he presented a business plan in 2009 which was expected to begin his brewing career. Along with fellow brewer Ben Low, the two set off to change Maine’s brewing industry with their award winning beers. Their assortment of beers shines a light on why craft beer is so popular… because taste matters!
Wicked Dark uses 12 malts including barley, wheat, rye, and oats. It is almost black with a rich mocha head. In the appropriate tulip glass used to get the most from the nose of a beer, you can pick up toffee and chocolate notes before your first sip. Malty roasted grains and dark fruit follow. The first encounter lets you know the balance of this stout took some time. Aged for over three months, this brew uses American and New Zealand hops including Apollo, Millennium, and Pacific Jade hops. On the fuller side of medium mouthfeel, Wicked spreads its charm through your mouth evenly and appropriately. It is deceptively potent. If you might venture into your second experience, beware…
This 10% ABV stout is available in 16 oz cans in four packs due to New Hampshire volume to ABV regulations.
BeerAdvocate.com hasn’t officially rated because it is so new, but I think they will have to rate it soon since it is so good. Baxter is a respected brewery and this Wicked offering is a testament to its ability and dedication to its followers. Some followers on BA have chimed in giving high kudos of 4.25+ to this amazing stout.
You will find it at Case-n-Keg in Meredith and Laconia as well as other fine beer providers. Look for any of the Baxter beers as they are all worth sampling!
Jim MacMillan is the owner of WonByOne Design of Meredith, NH, and is an avid imbiber of craft brews and a home brewer as well. Send him your recommendations and brew news to wickedbrews@weirs.com
