On my regular visit to BevMo! this week, I happened to pick up Stone Brew’s Russian Imperial Stout for 2009 which just hit shelves this past Monday. For those interested, it should be easily available at your nearest beverage or craft beer retailer if you live on the East or West Coasts. Their site has a map of exactly which States its currently available if you want to make sure.
For the most part, it stays faithful to previous vintages but has a slight increase in amber malt which according to Stone Brewer, John Egan “gives the beer a little more body on the mouth feel, and a little bit less of a dry finish.” The brew has a powerful aroma, pours a deep black, with a dark-tan head. Its not all that thick despite what some reviewers have said about it in the past, at least in comparison to other stouts on the market currently. Its quite thin on the palate actually which isn’t necessarily a negative trait. There isn’t a lack of complexity, rather the overall impact of flavor is somewhat mellowed. Not so much coffee which I find is a key characteristic of stouts, but rather that of fruit and nuts on top of a chocolate background. The roasted aroma is definitely there but isn’t overpowering.
I have to say though, its somewhat surprising to find such a mellow brew from a company that makes its reputation on destroying people’s palates with their high IBUs. Its definitely a unique and interesting beer, but hardly what I would consider a great imperial stout. Personally, I prefer North Coast’s Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout which exemplifies what an imperial stout is all about. Deep rich malty flavors with a strong chocolate/coffee aroma.
Imperial Russian Stout (on Stone Brewing Co.)
Imperial Russian Stout (on The Stone Blog)
