Dempsey Does it Again!
By Tom Maicon at January 12, 2012 | 7:43 pm | Print
Local homebrewer Randy Dempsey, the lone man behind O’Dempsey’s, impressed us all right out of the gate with his first release back in Spring of 2010, a conservative Irish red ale he dubbed Big Red Ale. Nothing fancy or edgy, it didn’t push the envelope in any way, shape or form, but that solid Irish red ale — his first attempt at pro-brew — proved to most of us that he does possess the big boy boots it takes to brew at the next level.
Dempsey currently contract brews through Thomas Creek Brewery out of South Carolina.
His latest stab at pro-brew is a silky Russian Imperial Stout he calls Your Black Heart. This latest effort is safely played, much like his previous offerings. And I’m willing to bet Dempsey probably receives a lot of gripes for being too safe, as he seems to be a true-to-style kind of brewer, at least in the early going. Which is actually okay by me. I prefer getting to know a brewer before seeing his kinky side.
There’s plenty hop bitterness to offset all those malts in this not-so-big Imperial stout that weighs in at a modest 8% abv.
Aroma and flavor are coffee, chocolate, somewhat bready with a lingering bitter finish.
My biggest lament about this beer is mouthfeel. What I like most about Russian Imperial stouts is that they are big creamy beers. This one has its silky moments but a weird sharp carbonation peeks through from time to time, making it just tad thin for this style.
Other than that, the flavors are cohesive and spot-on. It drinks like a pro despite the obvious lack of inventiveness.
Unlike some, I will grit and bear one or two more conservative attempts from Dempsey before I start calling for something a little more daring. Take a chance, Dempsey. Who knows, you might just shock yourself.
Stats:
Strength: 8% abv
Style: Russian Imperial Stout
Serve In: Snifter
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