Stone Brewing Company Odd Imperial Russian Stout – Chai Spiced (2015) Russian Imperial Stout at 10.6% ABV | 65 IBU (C$9.25 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 650 ml, packaged on 25-Feb-2015, acquired 21-Apr-2015, reviewed 16-Feb-2018)
Appearance: utterly black with no relief, one finger of creamy mocha head diminishing gradually to a thick persistent cap, moderate clingy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, ginger, black tea, roasty malts, dark chocolate, espresso, liquorice. (7/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate-high bitter, mild smoke, mild peppery spice. (7/10) Palate: full slick body, moderate-low carbonation, lingering bitter, spicy, and warming finish. (4/5)
Way too much chai. I mean, to the point where it’s actually slightly off-putting (although it does grow on you… a bit…). I’m gonna say there’s about two or three times as much chai spice as would be necessary to make this “chai-flavoured”, and we’re well into “smack you in the mouth with a brick of chai” territory. Nowhere near as good as the base beer. “Odd”? Yes, and not entirely in a good way. (15/20)
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
