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DRoyLenz · 10-15-2009, 02:46 PM

I went to a small little beer festival/tasting in downtown Chicago last night, and had my first taste of a Russian Imperial Stout. It was North Coast Brewing Company's Old Rasputin, and it was like a heavenly nectar. I felt like the stars had aligned briefly, just for me, at the moment I took my first sip.

I had a lot of great beers last night, but that one was definitely the most memorable (Peak Organic also had a great Maple Oat Ale). I'm definitely going to have to try and find more of that.

What are your guys' favorite RISs? I've heard a lot of talk about Dark Lord.

noblesquirrel · 10-15-2009, 03:30 PM

There are tons out there for you to try and being in the Chicago area, only helps your cause... I'd recommend Bells Expedition stout, Founders Imperial Stout, Hopping Frog BORIS. Just try as much beer as you can and have fun. It'll help your brewing as well.

david_42 · 10-15-2009, 03:38 PM

Black Panther aged in used Pinot barrels.

Edcculus · 10-15-2009, 03:51 PM

Old Rasputin is pretty much THE definitive commercial example of RIS. Bell's Expidition Stout is another one of my favorites. If you can get Terrapin in Chicago, they make a great Oatmeal Coffee RIS. On a cold winter day, there is nothing better than the 13% Goose Island Bourbon County Stout.

**IrregularPulse** · 10-15-2009, 03:52 PM

I've yet to get an Old Rasputin. I have a bottle of Dark Lord just sitting in the basement waiting for me. i want to drink it so bad, but I don't want it to not be there anymore. I've never had it before.

Scimmia · 10-15-2009, 04:04 PM

I haven't gotten ahold of any Dark Lord yet, but being from Chicago, you must find some Goose Island Bourbon County Stout. I don't believe the 2009s have been released yet, but it shouldn't be long. It's on the sweeter side of the RIS, but the flavor and complexity is incredible.

The Bells and Founders recommendations are very good, I just had a Founders Imperial Stout last night and was impressed. Yeti from Great Divide is also very good.

**Shooter** · 10-15-2009, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edcculus

On a cold winter day, there is nothing better than the 13% Goose Island Bourbon County Stout.

Dang, just the name of that one makes me want to try it!!

**Saccharomyces** · 10-15-2009, 04:49 PM

Founders has a Breakfast Stout that is to die for. I am also a huge fan of Brooklyn's Black Chocolate Stout.

Imperial Stouts and Porters are a couple of my favorite styles to brew, especially considering how much a good commercial one will cost you.

DRoyLenz · 10-15-2009, 05:48 PM

So, I've been looking in to these RISs recommended, and I'll definitely be trying the Goose Island soon, maybe tonight (they have a beer release every Thursday, and I might be going tonight.)

I'm also looking in to Dark Lord, just out of curiosity, and I think I've figured out what I'm doing April 24th, 2010. Dark Lord Day

**IrregularPulse** · 10-15-2009, 05:54 PM

I too am hoping to make it next year. i had a generous forum member sell and ship me one of his bottles this past year.