The Lost Abbey - Church on the Hill

Lost Abbey Church on the Hill follows up on their hugely successful coffee beer Churchill’s Finest Hour. This one’s a massive barrel-aged imperial stout brewed using a custom-roasted coffee from Mostra Coffee, as well as an addition of Tahitian vanilla. Luxurious vibe, packed with layered chocolates and roast, and just an excellent showcase for these special additions.

Church on the Hill pours nearly pitch black, with just a bit of light getting through chocolate edges. Modest light-tan foam persists at the perimeter. Layers of decadent darker chocolates and cocoa lead the aromatics, with those well-roasted Mostra coffee additions integrating seamlessly beside the specialty malts. Super engaging aroma; allow this one to warm up.

Velvety mouthfeel, with plenty of chocolatey sweetness, caramel, and coffee leading. Well-tuned small bubbles provide welcome lift and keep things feeling surprisingly light, as does firm underlying bitterness from piney hops and those specialty malts. The Mostra coffee is showcased so well here; not specifically leading the charge (chocolates and caramels tend to land first), but unfolding in a huge way in the mid- to late palate. We also caught some hints of maple syrup in the finish. A gigantic barrel-aged imperial stout from Lost Abbey we think our Rare Beer Club members are going to love. Great side-by-side with Serpent’s.

Ready for extended cellaring, but quite smooth fresh. Given the high ABV, dark chocolates, and coffee notes, we’re looking to heartier fare like grilled steak or lamb kebabs.