Big Sky Brewing Company Ivan the Terrible (2014) Russian Imperial Stout at 9.5% ABV | 39 IBU (C$5.75 at Zyn, 355 ml, bottle date 10-Sep-2014, best before 10-Sep-2039, acquired 27-Mar-2015, reviewed 15-Jan-2017)
Appearance: opaque black with one fat finger of beige head, good retention and patchy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: roasty malt, cocoa, dried fruit, coffee, lightly nutty. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium-full body, moderate carbonation, moderate bitter and slightly astringent warming finish. (3/5)
A decent but fairly unremarkable RIS. The high ABV is relatively tame and well-integrated, possibly assisted by the two years I had this in storage. The flavours aren’t quite as smooth as I’d prefer, though, and there’s a little astringency in the finish. Good but not great. (14/20)
7/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
