Stone Imperial Russian Stout

Brewed by Stone Brewing Co.
Style: Imperial Stout
Escondido, California USA

Serve in Snifter

Crazy good stuff here. Pours black as the night itself, huge roasted flavour with lots of coffee and chocolate. Thick, bitter, and less boozy than might be expected. Excellent.

Bought the big boy bottle of this stuff and it delivered. Have to be careful though, it will put you down!

Bomber via trade with SuzyGreenberg, thanks Ben! Pours black with a 2 finger, creamy tan head that has excellent retention and leaves some lacing. Aroma is roast, dark fruit, dark roast coffee, spice and planty hops. Hints of dark caramel, tobacco, and Juicy Fruit Gum come out as it warms. Flavor is roast, lots of dark fruit, anise, earth, espresso, char, alcohol and something that reminds me of port. Palate is heavy, with a light carbonation and oily feel. Good stuff.

Poured from the bottle producing a cola colored body with nary a head, though I am pouring it at the wrong temp (too cold). As I look closer at the outer edges of the glass, I can see that this stout takes on some burgundy tones. Thick, thick, thick mouthfeel (though not quite a syrupy as Dark Lord). Strong coffee notes (which I expect) with a slight sweetness left on the lips. I am impressed by the smoothness (if you like bold coffee flavors, that is, and I do). As expected, the character develops as it warms, bringing out aromas of molasses, alcohol, and dried fruit. I was moved enough by this experience that I took a trip to my pantry to match the aromas I was picking up. I did not pick up hints of anise, though my senses might not be as refined as I would like them to be. The taste of alcohol is well blended in this brew, and is easier to drink than should be allowed. This is an excellent mixture and accessible: I didn’t have to stand in line for two hours to get it :)

Poured from bottle, pours very dark with great fully tan head to it, aroma is full of chocolate, coffee and toffee, the taste is full of flavor, great chocolate and coffee flavor to it, very thick taste overall but extremely enjoyable.

Had with Katie. Pour is a thick black with brown lacing head. Aroma is roasted coffee malts and cocoa. The flavor is thick malts, roasted, beans. Aftertaste of cocoa. Nice on the palate.

I usually write a very particulate break down of my beers. However all you need to know out there is that this is the best stout I have ever tried ever. And I in my Beer Basterdly (yes I know its spelled wrong, go to college) ways it pains me to say that this beer is amazing and those who defy my review drink beers that come in 24 packs. Owned

Awesome beer. What can I say that hasn’t been said. Smelled good when I poured it and tasted even better. The only bad thing is this beer isn’t available where I live. Had to travel to Jungle Jim’s in Cincinnati to find this. So far I haven’t been disappointed with any Stone’s beers.