Stone Imperial Russian Stout (Aged One Year)

So this Friday, I was at an undisclosed bar in Brooklyn to see Shayfer James, where my brother ordered a Delirium Tremens (They were out of the beer with the duck on the tap handle, so he ordered the one with the elephant instead). It came in a great glass, which I was unaware is very popular among the bar-bound kleptomaniacs of the world. I was also apparently unaware that I too was one of these folks, because I walked out of there with that glass in my sweatshirt. Sleazy I know. Such a cool glass though!


So with that as an introduction, I present to you all the first beer of the new glass, a Stone Imperial Russian Stout that I originally bought in March 2008.

Appearance: Black as night. The Delirium glass features a lil' elephant etched into the bottom of the glass to make more bubbles, much like the little circle on the bottom of the new Sam Adams glass. That's nice and all, but there's no way you're seeing any bubble action through the oily depths of this bad boy. About a finger of burnt marshmallow head presents itself as well, and tight lacing remains throughout.

Smell: Understated chocolate and coffee malts in the nose. Not in-your-face, or overly boozy at all. At 90+ IBUs and 10.8% ABV, the aging process has really affected this brew.

Taste: Burnt malts up front. Deliciously bitter. Very smooth due to its age. Not much hops left, but still very balanced. So tasty.

Mouthfeel: Great carbonation. Not overly watery or motor-oil thick.

Drinkability: Really great balance. Upwards of 11% but not too boozy. As good as stouts get. I'll definitely be looking for the Imperial Russian again this year.

Stone Imperial Russian Stout

Appearance: Dark and thick, about a finger of head present, you can't see through it if you wanted to. As dark as it is, I am still drawn to it and am looking forward to drinking it.

Smell: Chocolate and roasted malts are in the forefront of its smell, but not too overpowering, as there is still the slight presence of floral and pine hops. Great balance.

Taste: I was expecting a really strong thick taste without subtlety, but I was wrong. The chocolatey, roasted, toasty malts greet your mouth as pleasantly as possible and follows through all the way to the back of the pallet. Hops aren't as present, but that's expected in a stout, making it perfect for this style.

Mouthfeel: Very little carbonation, alive while on your tongue. This beer allows the different parts of your mouth have unique experiences as various regions tingle from the bite of a stout while others enjoy its great flavor.

Drinkability: Like most stouts, you can't really drink it all night. However, once you make your way towards the end of your night, you might have to indulge in multiple glasses. Be careful, the 10.8% abv will sneak up on you without you noticing if you have one too many. Definitely would buy/drink again in a heartbeat.

Serving type: Bottle
Glass type: Duvel Snifter

North Coast Brewing Co. Old Rasputin

Appearance: Deep Dark Brown beer, light brown head that stuck around.

Smell: Toasty and malty, as stout-ey as it gets.

Taste: Big roasted malt, coffee-like flavor. Similar aftertaste to Storm King. It hits your tongue a little different than Storm King does though. Hard to describe the difference, but its like totally there. You still reading this review?

Mouthfeel: Good balance. Nice carbonation, but still smooth and thick, yet it doesn't approach the motor-oil feel of some brews.

Drinkability: Overall this is a delicious concoction. Great for warming you up in the winter. If you like stouts, do yourself a favor.

Boulder Obovoid Empirical Stout

Appearance: Dark as expected, poured lighter that most stouts, comparable amount of head (1/2 finger), head lasts for quite some time

Smell: Toasty and nutty malt smell, almost caramel, hops are extremely hard to distinguish from the malts

Taste: Chocolatey with the toasty and nutty, slight bitter aftertaste, but not overpowering, even though oak-aged, not overly present

Mouthfeel: Smoother than expected, downs easily, still heavy despite smoothness, low carbonation

Drinkability: Definitely have it again, almost like eating a chocolate cake for dessert, 7.5% ABV, could be a higher ABV

-Mike and Jimmy