A New Conquest Paired with an Old Classic!

Since arriving back in the States, I have been trading beers with fellow BA's throughout the States. Finally, I was able to obtain a beer that I have been wanting to try for almost two years! Imperial Stout Trooper, from New England Brewing Co. is an Imperial Stout that has been released every winter for the past four years.

This limited release has sparked my interest, due to the obvious play on George Lucas' Star Wars. I have always loved the original Star Wars trilogy and when I first heard about this beer, I knew that I had to have it. Considering that this past year, George Lucas' attorneys and NEBCO have been disputing the name and label artwork, I must not have been the only one who found it interesting.

Regardelss, despite a possible lawsuit, NEBCO was able to release IST this December, with a slight alteration; the original label had to be "disguised." While the new label doesn't leave much to the imagination, previous vintages will most likely cost an arm and a leg to obtain.

2010's Imperial Stout Trooper is an incredibly creamy and milky Imperial Stout with a hop-forward approach to the style, with solid notes of milk chocolate, pine, and citrus hops. It definitely took me by surprise, but paired well with the original Star Wars!

New England Brewing Co: Imperial Stout Trooper 10': 9.2%abv: Woodbridge, CT.