Three Floyds Dark Lord Russian Imperial Stout

Originally reviewed 11/5/2008 From a bomber into a Reidel Vinum Cab glass on Election evening... Huge, ultra-viscous espresso/motor oil body topped by a thin brown sugar/sweet potato-colored head. Impressive. Sweet husky double-espresso roasted malt with abundant hop presence of pleasant grass and even some leather. Alcohol blends well but makes its presence known. Definitely a pumpernickel feel with sweet hazlenut caramel finish. Some dates, figs...even some pomegranate? Salty, husky feel to an extent. Balance in over-abundance. Creamy, velety, silky huge 3XL roasted coffee/chocolate malt presence. Hops emerge in force with grass and slight pine notes. There’s even some burnt popcorn. Ya gotta a whole lot goin’ on here... Mouthfeel is well...involved...syrupy as hell with a whole lot of coffee grounds and grill char layered on top; with warmth this balances out with more brown sugar sweetness. A little more synergy would do this wonders; finish is of course heavy as an anvil in a Roadrunner cartoon. Some salty leather in here, too. One word for this: Bountiful. Maybe not a stellar example of Beautiful Chemistry but the abundance of well...everything has good closing speed and makes this a showstopper. Perhaps a little cacophony precludes extreme drinkability but this is one to experience. Holy crap!

2007 Bottle @ Anders37. Black with a dark brown head. Oily, roasted, coffee, vanilla, honey. Fantastic beer

2008. Pours black and oily. Dark brown head. Aroma of soy, chocolate. Oily taste, dark roastiness, sweet. Really good beer.

1. 2007 Vintage sample of 650ml Bottle at Logan’s Pre GABF Party, Denver 10/10/2007 Tan head. Berries chocolate and whisky aromas. Black smooth on the palate and very strong in alcohol with some bitterness in a warmng coffee roast finish. 2. From the Bottle at Tom’s Ultimate Glasgow Tasting 01/12/2007 Small tan head. Rich coffee aroma. Black strong in alcohol and fruity with some sweetness on the palate. Slightly dry lasting finish. 3. From the Bottle at RBESG Harlequin, Sheffield 19/07/2009 Rich aroma. Beige head. Black strong in alcohol and fruity with a little bitterness and dryness in a crisp coffee roast finish.

Liquid Sunshine VII Tasting – Kirkland, WA
Aroma: Nice dark malt with rich coffee and chocolate aromas.
Appearance: Dark Black in color, clear with a thin head.
Flavor: Big smooth flavor this was a strong and had a great Impy stout flavoring.
Palate: Nice Finish, with a Good Mouthfeel.
Overall: I finally got to try this beer. I am glad it was tasty.

09, Thanks RiversideAK! Newest vintage has an aroma like a burnt marshmallow at the ocean. Still and black. Liquid sugar all over, too sweet for my taste. That same night I had the 08, 07, and 06 vintages and the score is from the 08 as I found it to be the best. More charcoal came out and some of the sweetness softened into a bold richness, but not quite mature. Didn’t notice much of a progression as I went through the years and although I enjoyed this beer, it’s not a top 50 beer to me. I just don’t ’get’ this beer.

rating #2000 black wax 2008, bought in ølbutikken, copenhagen (ain’t that neat). enjoyed at home while watching stargate atlantis 03x4 pitch dark, oily, large thick brown smooth head that disappears rather quickly, leaving a small smooth cover. flavor is complex, most prominent is dark fruits, roasted stuff, vineagra. raisins. flavor is dominated by licorice, also strongly roasted notes, raisins. one of the most complex stouts i’ve had. ends nicely roasted grains, with a little sugar.

Great beer to remember a great beer event. Am a bit disappointed with the latest offering. Perhaps some bottle age will round it out...