Stone Brewing Company Imperial Russian Stout (2015) Russian Imperial Stout at 10.6% ABV | 65 IBU (C$9.25 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 650 ml, packaged on 5-Mar-2015, acquired 21-Apr-2015, reviewed 16-Feb-2018)
Appearance: pitilessly black with no hint of relief, one finger of creamy mocha head diminishing gradually to a thick persistent cap, moderate clingy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: roasty malts, dark chocolate, espresso, dark stone fruit, anise, light smoke. (9/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate-high bitter, mild smoke. (9/10) Palate: full slick body, moderate-low carbonation, lingering bitter and warming finish. (5/5)
Yeah, yeah, I know six months ago I said I’d age this one longer, but change of plan: I’m trying to drink down some of my far too extensive cellar) comprised almost entirely of dark heavy beers) so I figured I’d do a comparo of the Classic and its Odd compatriot of the same vintage. (And in my defence, despite the spring-like conditions we had yesterday, today brought another dump of snow, so I’m huddled in front of the fireplace and cursing winter, god, and life in general.) This has cellared well, with only the slightest hints of its beefy ABV apparent on the nose or the tongue. Not dramatically different from the younger 2016 vintage I had last year, except that what I called “herbal” then seems more “anise and smoke” to me here now. (18/20)
9/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
