Stone Brewery Russian Imperial Stout - 2014 Release

[FiddlersGreen87]

Has anyone else tried this?

Wow what a beer. I tried it a couple weeks ago, and I was curious as to others' thoughts?

I can say this, the 1st glass was intense. Very heavy thick beer that rivals the oldest of engine oils. Each drink was riddled with flavors that were aggressive but not competing. The flavors seemed to shift through the drink, and while the transition was smooth it was always distinct.

A strange feeling I got from the beer was that of the body warmth similar to bourbon or whiskey. Not really important, just something I distinctly noticed.

I'm not personally a fan of anise, but with drinks from the first glass it seemed to belong. I find that is a critical part of describing any food or drink that is well designed.

The second glass was a challenge. That's really the best way I can explain it. The first glass had so much going on that I wasn't ready for the 2nd. Unless you absolutely love Imperial Russian Stouts, I'd say this beer is best shared with a friend. At 22 oz, 11%, and the weight of Thanksgiving dinner, share the love.

Last thing. On the bottle they recommended getting a case and trying it over the course of the year which I know Russian Imperial Stouts develop over significant time. I'd love to try this, but I just don't feel like shelling out $100 or however much a case would cost and I don't have friends that could handle this beer and appreciate it to share with .

 

[user 30639]

It's a great beer, I absolutely love it. The espresso RIS is even better, IMO. I need to go pick a few up.

 

[speeddemon190]

my local beer store hasnt had any in stock for a very long time, but I pick one up everytime they have it. delicious. Havent tried the espresso one....im going to find one today and give it a shot.

 

[W0GWT]

I got one today.

I was going to just drink it, but I may hold onto it for a while. I might split this with my dad. He's a bourbon and scotch guy, so maybe he'll appreciate the style.

 

[FiddlersGreen87]

View attachment 215173

I got one today.

I was going to just drink it, but I may hold onto it for a while. I might split this with my dad. He's a bourbon and scotch guy, so maybe he'll appreciate the style.

I think he absolutely would if he likes beer too. I'll have to try the espresso one. I might go pick up 2-3 more and just leave them in the fridge for a few months to see how much they really change.

 

[ktblunden]

I think he absolutely would if he likes beer too. I'll have to try the espresso one. I might go pick up 2-3 more and just leave them in the fridge for a few months to see how much they really change.

Espresso version was awesome, but it won't be released this year. It was an "Odd beers for odd years" release in 2013. You may be able to find one from last year still on the shelf, but that may prove difficult. It'll probably show up next year, though. I had a bottle of 2014 a couple weeks ago and was definitely pleased with it. It's a very nice RIS and at $8 a bomber it's pretty reasonably priced.

EDIT: Oh, and hold onto one for at least a year and give it a try, it will age very nicely.