So you know those situations where you're faced with only bad choices, and you try to pick the least terrible? 

That's why I tried this beer. I was at a shitty pizza place out in Queens, in need of a beer, and I tried this, thinking it might be bearable since I tend to like Imperial Stouts. Wrong, I couldn't get even 4 sips into this beer. The "dark, heavy flavors" were dominated by alcoholic burn and bitterness, not anything pleasant like the coffee and chocolate flavors advertised, that so many other stouts manage to work in with the heavy alcohol. The balance was entirely off, and I left an almost full bottle on the table. I don't consider Boston Beer to be terrible at brewing by any means, but I feel like this beer could have been done a lot better. Perhaps an aged bottle or maybe one even just a little closer to room temp would taste better, but I was so unimpressed by this first glimpse that I won't be rushing out to try and correct their mistakes. I'd give it a D, because I just really didn't enjoy it.  Sorry Sam, better luck next time.

The people at beeradvocate like it somewhat better, so if you disagree with my assessment, go check those reviews out.