Three Floyds Dark Lord Russian Imperial Stout

2009. Solid black pour, dark brown foam that surprisingly dissappeared completely. Not really that thick appearing, not much lacing either. Aroma is strong, molasses, roast malt, dark chocolate, a little oaky like booze. Mouthfeel is one of the thickest I’ve had in a while. Not syrupy though, with enough carbonation lurking. It is sweet, but I don’t think it’s too much. Flavors does match the aroma, roast and sweet from malt, molasses, something like a chocolate ball with port in it and just hints of espresso and anise. That’s probably the one place would have like a little more of, roast and bitters. I was surprised by that considering 3F likes to hop the heck out of things. Drinkability is actually fine to me, as I don’t get any over sweetness from this. It’s actually quite good for a beer this big. I’ve heard 09 is a more drinkable batch up front without having to let it age. I pretty much agree, reminds me more of American/Double, which I prefer, even though the difference is subtle. I’m not going to give this all 5’s, but definetely lived up to expectations. After some warming I’ll change my tune a bit. The sweetness does kind of overtake this one after a bit. Reminds me of some of the Weyerbacher stouts. Of the A+ RISs, I still put Abyss a notch above.

Vintage 2009 sampled at Darkness Day. Pour is black with a small tan head. Aroma is coffee, vanilla, chocolate, caramel, dark/dried fruits. Flavor is sweet. Palate is creamy and thick. Overall its a solid beer. Is it the best Imp Stout I’ve had, definitely not but its very complex but lacks bitterness.

Lives up to the hype. 2009 btl. Motor oil black. Massively perfumed nose, like really good bitter belgian chocolate. loads of nuance. Palate is sublime, like liquid flourless chocolate cake. Vanilla, Bitter chocolate mousse, loads of toasty rich malts, like a mocha coffee. If only other brewers could figure out how to make beer like this, so we didnt have to clambor over the tiny amounts of DL out there.

Bottle from 06 thanks Firemoose. Pours a thick black like used motor oil with a nice thick tan head. Has a smell of coffee, malt, maybe cherry. Taste is similar but with some vanilla and molasses. Very complex beer in every regard.

( 22oz 2008 black wax bottle thanks to thickerfreakness) pours blacker than black with deep brown fluffy head. Coats the glass with small bubbles. Nose is vinous, brown sugar, sweet chocolate, very complex and delicious. Taste is thick milk chocolate, light warming alcohol, light toasted malts. This stuff is so thick and chocolate/creamy. Big huge thanks to Charles for sharing.

My brother waited in line for 3 hours at DLD 2009 to buy me 8 bottles. An absolute monster of a beer!! Midnight dark, thick and strong as an olympic powerlifter. Coffee, vanilla and molasses dominate. Not for everyone, I would only recommend for those that enjoy stronger offerings.

On tap at the Great Taste of the Midwest 2009. I waited in line for a half hour to get a taste of this beauty. Pour was engine oil dark with a very rich roasty aroma with chocolate, prunes, caramel, and goodness. Flavors were so well blended and complex. If I were to try and pick one out, the roasted character was a bit on the stronger side but still very pleasant. I would love to try this beer again.

Sample from bottle, 2007 edition. Black with a small brownish head. Coffee, chocolate, liquorice, fudge, vanilla. Flavor is the same, body is very heavy, thick. Truly a fantastic beer!