dekeq (35), New Jersey, USA
Nov 2, 2009 Looks? Just as black as the heart of the devil that’s on the bottle. It had a very, very full caramel-colored head and tint around the sides of the glass but it was still very opaque - much like most imperial stouts. It had some nice scents of chocolate and caramel and a very apparent barley scent as well - a little overwhelming though, I think. It tasted quite bitter with a nice spice from the roasted barley. There was also a slight hint of caramel at the end. This was a pretty smooth beer - but I thought it was a little watery. The body seemed to be lacking something. It was also pretty warming - probably due to the high alcohol content.
Oddefellowe (28), Tampa, Florida, USA
Nov 1, 2009 Black as the darkest night. Spotty lacing, light brown head that fizzles down with time. Malty base with chocolate notes. Hops shine through nicely. ABV isn’t too taxing. Solid.
gerome (18), France
Nov 1, 2009 This beer pours a dark black with brown tones and has a thick tan head that lingers with the entire pour. The smell is of dark chocolate, plums, raisins, black cherries and no alcohal to be smelt. As I tasted this beer the bitterness from the hops kicks to the fore-front as well the malty chocolate essence and finishes sweet caramel and nutty. This beer is so smooth I could drink it all day
 dimenhetfield (157), , Florida, USA
Oct 31, 2009 Pours jet black with a little off white foam head. Aroma is very roasty with hints of chocolate and malts. One great beer.
alagnak (293), Littleton, Colorado, USA
Oct 30, 2009 Bottle - "Limited Spring 2009 Release" printed on bottom. Nose is nice - a lot of chocolate and less bitterness than expected. Flavor is a little molasses, then a quick run into black licorice and a really nice hoppy bitterness to close. Not a hint of 10.5% abv - and - maybe I’m totally nuts, but it was actually a little watery/thin until it warmed. I was kind of mixed here. I wasn’t really impressed, but nearly drank the whole bomber by myself.
mjs (1445), Helsinki, Finland
Oct 30, 2009 (Draught) Poured pitch black with small and tan coloured head. Aroma of roastedness and liquorice. Palate was full bodied, warming and oily with medium carbonation. Tasted roasty, liquorice, hops, chocolate and bitterness. Roasty or even burnt aftertaste.
viet959 (68), , Georgia, USA
Oct 29, 2009 Aroma: Awesome! Roasted malts, coffee, chocolate. Appearance: Looks black until you hold it up to a 100watt bulb, then a little with a medium head that fades and leaves a nice lacing. -1pt for head fading away. Flavor: Roasted malts are prominent, burnt coffee, chocolate. Palate: full body, thick feel, average carbonation, bitter, long finish. Overall: OOPS
ben4321 (952), Rockville, Maryland, USA
Oct 27, 2009 Location: 22 oz bottle from Gilly’s, 10/27/09, from the Limited Spring 2009 Release
Aroma: The nose is lots of roasted malts and coffee, it’s got some licorice, and some really nice bitter (dark) chocolate thrown in as well. Swirl it around a bit in the glass and the nose really opens up.
Appearance: This beers pours the thick, dark black color of motor oil with a thin brown head.
Flavor: The flavor is quite good as well, it is a nice mix of roasted malts and some nice hop bitterness.
Palate: The one is quite a nice full bodied brew with a rich, oily mouthfeel.
Overall Impression:
I’m a bit surprised I haven’t rated one, but I guess I can’t remember the last time I had this beer, so it’s not that crazy that I haven’t given it my once over. It’s definitely not a beer that should be drank freezing cold, it opens quite a bit as it warms. In the end, this is quite a wonderful Russian Imperial Stout that I remembered liking quite a bit in the past, and that am pleased to enjoy again.
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