Bomb! is an American Imperial Stout that’s brewed by Prairie Artisan Ales, and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in a snifter from a 12 oz. bottle.
Appearance
The stout pours an opaque jet black and is topped a finger-thick cap of brown foam that persists briefly. The reduction doesn’t leave behind any lace or residue. A thin ring of fine bubbles rounds the glass.
Aroma
The aroma is smoky with roast, slightly sweet with dark chocolate, and spicy with ancho chili peppers.
Flavor
The palate begins with innocently enough with a neutral blend of bready malt that’s slightly sweet and roasty. Bomb! then explodes with its blend of sweet, spicy, and smoky. Coffee roast and spicy ancho chili peppers meet sweet chocolate, vanilla bean, molasses, and hints of dark fruit. A taste of booze rides along with the hot peppers through the finish.
Mouthfeel
Its feel is smooth and velvety with a full body and low carbonation. Finishes dryly with a warming sensation from the alcohol and heat from the peppers.

Label art for the Bomb! by Prairie Artisan Ales
Overall
If anything is amiss, the appearance of Bomb! isn’t exactly stellar. But that’s nitpicking when considering the rest of the beer is nothing short of amazing. Its aroma is delightfully complex with its ranging scent of smoke, spice, and sweet. From there Bomb! unleashes an explosion of contrasting flavors and sensations. The palate is decadent in its sweetness, smoky with its coffee roast, hot in its spiciness, and nicely warming with booze. Bomb! is a tasty masterpiece and one that every connoisseur should try.
Recommended Pairings
Bomb! is a spicy brew and would pair nicely Mexican food or spicy Southeast Asian food.