Otter Creek Russian Imperial Stout
Otter Creek Brewing
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- From:
- Otter Creek Brewing
- Vermont, United States
- Style:
- Stout - Russian Imperial
Ranked #411 - ABV:
- 10%
- Score:
- 90
Ranked #9,818 - Avg:
- 4.02 | pDev: 9.95%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Nov 29, 2020
- Added:
- Jan 09, 2009
- Wants:
- 45
- Gots:
- 48
SCORE
90
Outstanding
90
Outstanding
Notes:
Every so often we brew this tasty treat that clocks in at 10% ABV. A silky smooth, motor-oil black pour reveals rich, roasty notes of caramel, chocolate and coffee. Like the first stouts brewed for Russian Czars, this offering is big, bold and built to last. Grab a few for the cellar, a couple for your comrades and enjoy because—like those Czars of yesteryear—this beer may be gone soon.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
4.41/5 rDev +9.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by tradershmulie from Connecticut
Found an old 4 pack in a local store - so this was "shelf-aged"
Poured beautiful deep black color. Head was nothing special.
Not much smell.
Very good taste. Nice balance of dark rich flavors and only a slight hint of bitterness.
Smooth and silky as it should be.
Overall a very fine Russian Imperial Stout.
Second bottle update. Better than first. Really exceptional and absolutely stunning. Great balance of sweetness and bitterness. Not too much of either. Like liquid dark chocolate.
Nov 29, 2020
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by tradershmulie from Connecticut
Found an old 4 pack in a local store - so this was "shelf-aged"
Poured beautiful deep black color. Head was nothing special.
Not much smell.
Very good taste. Nice balance of dark rich flavors and only a slight hint of bitterness.
Smooth and silky as it should be.
Overall a very fine Russian Imperial Stout.
Second bottle update. Better than first. Really exceptional and absolutely stunning. Great balance of sweetness and bitterness. Not too much of either. Like liquid dark chocolate.
Nov 29, 2020
3.94 by liquorpig from Massachusetts on Dec 01, 2018
4.21 by zotzot from Vermont on Apr 21, 2018
4.03 by khoff5 from Connecticut on Feb 21, 2018
4.3 by JamieDuncan from Maryland on Dec 08, 2017
3.98 by Didier from New Hampshire on Nov 24, 2017
4 by Patches826 from Massachusetts on Oct 08, 2017
4.35 by Dougwillhike from New Jersey on Aug 12, 2017
4.29 by DanGeo from Michigan on Aug 07, 2017
4/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Lone_Freighter from Vermont
This was poured into a snifter. The appearance was a dark brown close to black color with a thin wisp of tan foamy head. Gentle thin lacing slides into the beer. The smell had a nice sweet to roasty blend of coffee, cocoa and a light amount of vanilla. Light bitter coffee grounds slide in underneath. The taste was mainly sweet with a nice roasty to sweet blend of the coffee to cocoa once again. A light dry sweet to roasty coffee aftertaste leads into the finish. On the palate, this one sat about a medium on the body with a fairly decent sipping quality about it. Carbonation seemed good as an RIS, as there’s enough dry and bitter roastiness on my tongue. Overall, I say this was a pretty good RIS that I would have again.
Jun 10, 2017
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Lone_Freighter from Vermont
This was poured into a snifter. The appearance was a dark brown close to black color with a thin wisp of tan foamy head. Gentle thin lacing slides into the beer. The smell had a nice sweet to roasty blend of coffee, cocoa and a light amount of vanilla. Light bitter coffee grounds slide in underneath. The taste was mainly sweet with a nice roasty to sweet blend of the coffee to cocoa once again. A light dry sweet to roasty coffee aftertaste leads into the finish. On the palate, this one sat about a medium on the body with a fairly decent sipping quality about it. Carbonation seemed good as an RIS, as there’s enough dry and bitter roastiness on my tongue. Overall, I say this was a pretty good RIS that I would have again.
Jun 10, 2017
4.15/5 rDev +3.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
by DraconusDesanctus666 from Florida
P- Poured from a 12 oz bottle,into a large Funky Buddha snifter.No date on the bottle.
L- Thin brown head with low retention,and minimal lacing.Jet black body with no light showing through the glass.Low on carbonation.
S- On the nose I get roasted malt,with some trace noted of coffee,dark chocolate,and caramel.
T- The palate follows the nose with roasted malt and coffee up front,caramel in the middle,and dark chocolate and roasted malts on the back end.A little bit of alcohol flavor,but not bad.
F- The mouth feel is full bodied,with minimal oxidation on the tongue.Smooth on the finish,with slight alcohol warming.
O- This is a pretty damn good RIS.Not one of my favorites,but definitely up there.I would absolutely drink this one again.And if you are a Russian Imperial Stout lover like myself,I suggest you give this one a try.I just wish it had more dark fruit characteristics.Still a really good one.
Apr 27, 2017
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
by DraconusDesanctus666 from Florida
P- Poured from a 12 oz bottle,into a large Funky Buddha snifter.No date on the bottle.
L- Thin brown head with low retention,and minimal lacing.Jet black body with no light showing through the glass.Low on carbonation.
S- On the nose I get roasted malt,with some trace noted of coffee,dark chocolate,and caramel.
T- The palate follows the nose with roasted malt and coffee up front,caramel in the middle,and dark chocolate and roasted malts on the back end.A little bit of alcohol flavor,but not bad.
F- The mouth feel is full bodied,with minimal oxidation on the tongue.Smooth on the finish,with slight alcohol warming.
O- This is a pretty damn good RIS.Not one of my favorites,but definitely up there.I would absolutely drink this one again.And if you are a Russian Imperial Stout lover like myself,I suggest you give this one a try.I just wish it had more dark fruit characteristics.Still a really good one.
Apr 27, 2017
4.18/5 rDev +4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
by GuitarIPA from Connecticut
Classic Russian Stout - black, dark roast coffee and chocolate - nice bite on the finish
Feb 25, 2017
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
by GuitarIPA from Connecticut
Classic Russian Stout - black, dark roast coffee and chocolate - nice bite on the finish
Feb 25, 2017
3.75 by Dirk_Chappelle from New Hampshire on Feb 06, 2017
4.08/5 rDev +1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by Gajo74 from New York
Pours an opaque black. Coming out of the bottle there is no visible head, however, once all contents have been emptied, a nice tan foam head suddenly materializes. It soon disapates into a very thin collar with some lacing.
The nose is predominantly sweet and comprised of chocolate, vanilla and dark fruit. There is a roasted malt, toasted dark bread, and subtle coffee presence that compliments things nicely. There are also hints of liquorice and alcohol.
The taste mostly aligns with the nose in terms of the chocolate and dark fruit sweetness. Despite the 10% ABV, the alcohol flavor is so well masked, thus making it unique amongst other Russian Imperial Stouts I've had that can be downright boozy. There is even a nice touch of hops that provides slight bitterness, herbal qualities and balance.
Full bodied but not too thick. A cross between a sipper and something that is easy to drink. Viscuous but not too heavy. A great balance. Smooth and velvety to boot, with a soft carbonation.
A real fine RIS that is tasty, not over the top boozy and balanced.
Oct 04, 2016
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by Gajo74 from New York
Pours an opaque black. Coming out of the bottle there is no visible head, however, once all contents have been emptied, a nice tan foam head suddenly materializes. It soon disapates into a very thin collar with some lacing.
The nose is predominantly sweet and comprised of chocolate, vanilla and dark fruit. There is a roasted malt, toasted dark bread, and subtle coffee presence that compliments things nicely. There are also hints of liquorice and alcohol.
The taste mostly aligns with the nose in terms of the chocolate and dark fruit sweetness. Despite the 10% ABV, the alcohol flavor is so well masked, thus making it unique amongst other Russian Imperial Stouts I've had that can be downright boozy. There is even a nice touch of hops that provides slight bitterness, herbal qualities and balance.
Full bodied but not too thick. A cross between a sipper and something that is easy to drink. Viscuous but not too heavy. A great balance. Smooth and velvety to boot, with a soft carbonation.
A real fine RIS that is tasty, not over the top boozy and balanced.
Oct 04, 2016
4.5 by rickklein9 from Pennsylvania on Aug 12, 2016
4.29 by Keananmichael5 from California on Jul 22, 2016
4.12 by thoglund from New York on Jul 14, 2016
4 by vfgccp from New York on Jun 25, 2016
4.18 by lakamoso from Massachusetts on May 31, 2016
4 by jkermitj from Mississippi on May 19, 2016
3.71/5 rDev -7.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
by fitzy84 from Massachusetts
Bought in Vermont at the Cold Hollow CIder Mill in Waterbury. The beer pours with a thick black appearance, brown creamy head, and eventual good, bubbly retention with some thick lacing on the sides. The aromas are attractive, though restrained, with coffee, chocolate, nuts, maybe a hint of spice like cinnamon. The taste variable included more vocal flavor attributes. This included a bitter, but buttery, chocolate flavor with a slight burnt sugar aftertaste. Mouthfeel is great with a creamy body that envelopes the ingredients and alcohol into a warm blend. Overall, not too bad, especially in terms of appearance and mouthfeel.
May 16, 2016
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
by fitzy84 from Massachusetts
Bought in Vermont at the Cold Hollow CIder Mill in Waterbury. The beer pours with a thick black appearance, brown creamy head, and eventual good, bubbly retention with some thick lacing on the sides. The aromas are attractive, though restrained, with coffee, chocolate, nuts, maybe a hint of spice like cinnamon. The taste variable included more vocal flavor attributes. This included a bitter, but buttery, chocolate flavor with a slight burnt sugar aftertaste. Mouthfeel is great with a creamy body that envelopes the ingredients and alcohol into a warm blend. Overall, not too bad, especially in terms of appearance and mouthfeel.
May 16, 2016
4.22 by leroybrown10 from Missouri on May 07, 2016
3.79 by cbawls357 from Pennsylvania on Apr 23, 2016
4.2/5 rDev +4.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by cjgiant from District of Columbia
This beer poured nicely into my glass - the black liquid rolling out and bringing a little beige froth that ends in a thick ring. The rign easily grows thicker with a little agitation. The body itself seems black, but later in the glass, it does appear to lean a little more brown with a fair amount of clarity.
Nose is quite nice, powdered cocoa cocoa and dark roast brewed coffee. Subsequent whiffs bring the chocolate the brewers' notes talk about, mainly in brownie form, maybe with walnuts, even. Other notes include a little licorice spice and a little tang. Some of the scents turn a little woody later in the beer.
The taste is mostly expected. Bitter, bitter chocolate and coffee notes hit me first. These seem very harsh, and add to a rough feel in my first sips. The strong bitterness is really the dominating sensation throughout the pour. It takes on slightly different variations as the beer warms, from chocolate to unsweetened coffee to dark-skinned nuts to cut wood resin. These aren't distinct, but all impressions I get.
I wasn't thoroughly enjoying the rough bitterness feel of this beer, but appreciated the flavor sensations it brought. The nose was very nice. If you like strongly bitter stouts, I think this will be to your liking. If you like a little malt sweetness and a smoother feel, this one may be one to be cautious about - and definitely let it warm a bunch.
Apr 17, 2016
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by cjgiant from District of Columbia
This beer poured nicely into my glass - the black liquid rolling out and bringing a little beige froth that ends in a thick ring. The rign easily grows thicker with a little agitation. The body itself seems black, but later in the glass, it does appear to lean a little more brown with a fair amount of clarity.
Nose is quite nice, powdered cocoa cocoa and dark roast brewed coffee. Subsequent whiffs bring the chocolate the brewers' notes talk about, mainly in brownie form, maybe with walnuts, even. Other notes include a little licorice spice and a little tang. Some of the scents turn a little woody later in the beer.
The taste is mostly expected. Bitter, bitter chocolate and coffee notes hit me first. These seem very harsh, and add to a rough feel in my first sips. The strong bitterness is really the dominating sensation throughout the pour. It takes on slightly different variations as the beer warms, from chocolate to unsweetened coffee to dark-skinned nuts to cut wood resin. These aren't distinct, but all impressions I get.
I wasn't thoroughly enjoying the rough bitterness feel of this beer, but appreciated the flavor sensations it brought. The nose was very nice. If you like strongly bitter stouts, I think this will be to your liking. If you like a little malt sweetness and a smoother feel, this one may be one to be cautious about - and definitely let it warm a bunch.
Apr 17, 2016
4.18/5 rDev +4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by imonhiatus from New Jersey
snagged a bottle locally. big roastiness with a sludge chocolate undertone. nose leads with crisp chary roast...a bite of winter. flavor follows but leads with chocolate...chocolate speaks more as the brew warms. good beer.
Apr 09, 2016
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by imonhiatus from New Jersey
snagged a bottle locally. big roastiness with a sludge chocolate undertone. nose leads with crisp chary roast...a bite of winter. flavor follows but leads with chocolate...chocolate speaks more as the brew warms. good beer.
Apr 09, 2016
3.89 by SurrenderToTheFlow95 from New York on Apr 07, 2016
4.3 by kkazemi from New York on Apr 04, 2016
4.48/5 rDev +11.4%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
by SawDog505 from New Hampshire
Poured slowly down the middle at almost room temperature into a 16 oz snifter. Pours a slick black with a 3 finger light mocha head that clings to the sides of the glass like a fat kid holds a Charleston Chew.
Smell is roasted expresso, toffee, vanilla bean, anise, leather, caramel, and some hints of booze.
Taste follows toffee, chocolate covered coffee beans, anise, vanilla, leather, caramel, and some warming alcohol.
Mouthfeel is almost large, silky smooth with a little heat from the alcohol, a little chewy, moderate carbonation, definitely on the dryer side, and way too drinkable for 10% ABV.
Overall this is a serious stout, very complex from start to finish. Well done Otter Creek.
Mar 25, 2016
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
by SawDog505 from New Hampshire
Poured slowly down the middle at almost room temperature into a 16 oz snifter. Pours a slick black with a 3 finger light mocha head that clings to the sides of the glass like a fat kid holds a Charleston Chew.
Smell is roasted expresso, toffee, vanilla bean, anise, leather, caramel, and some hints of booze.
Taste follows toffee, chocolate covered coffee beans, anise, vanilla, leather, caramel, and some warming alcohol.
Mouthfeel is almost large, silky smooth with a little heat from the alcohol, a little chewy, moderate carbonation, definitely on the dryer side, and way too drinkable for 10% ABV.
Overall this is a serious stout, very complex from start to finish. Well done Otter Creek.
Mar 25, 2016
3.98/5 rDev -1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by Immortale25 from North Carolina
Poured into a Duvel tulip. No readable freshness date.
A- Pours a fully opaque black color with a 1/2 inch medium brown head that retains well before becoming a thick ring around the edge of the glass and a mostly full sheet of sheer surface foam. Semi-resilient lacing leaves tiny clots behind.
S- Big roast character that's slightly sweet but still also somewhat hoppy. There's also this slight chemical aroma that's a bit off-putting.
T- Nice rush of dark roast, dark chocolate and char and then there's that damn plastic-y thing again. Once the palate acclimates it fades but there seems to be something a bit off here. The good amount of sweetness is helping though. Alcohol is masked quite well. Coffee aftertaste.
M- Thick and creamy with medium carbonation and a full body.
O- Disregarding the initial astringent aroma and flavor, this is a very good RIS with great drinkability and deep flavors.
Mar 23, 2016
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by Immortale25 from North Carolina
Poured into a Duvel tulip. No readable freshness date.
A- Pours a fully opaque black color with a 1/2 inch medium brown head that retains well before becoming a thick ring around the edge of the glass and a mostly full sheet of sheer surface foam. Semi-resilient lacing leaves tiny clots behind.
S- Big roast character that's slightly sweet but still also somewhat hoppy. There's also this slight chemical aroma that's a bit off-putting.
T- Nice rush of dark roast, dark chocolate and char and then there's that damn plastic-y thing again. Once the palate acclimates it fades but there seems to be something a bit off here. The good amount of sweetness is helping though. Alcohol is masked quite well. Coffee aftertaste.
M- Thick and creamy with medium carbonation and a full body.
O- Disregarding the initial astringent aroma and flavor, this is a very good RIS with great drinkability and deep flavors.
Mar 23, 2016
4.65/5 rDev +15.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by tekstr1der from New Hampshire
Delicious! Black pour with lasting, clingy brown foam. Aroma is rich, with lots of roast and dark cocoa. Flavor is similar - very roasty, but never too bitter, with lots of chocolate notes and a mild sweetness mid-sip. Incredibly smooth from start to very clean finish, with just a slight lingering cocoa. Easily the best RIS I've had.
Mar 19, 2016
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by tekstr1der from New Hampshire
Delicious! Black pour with lasting, clingy brown foam. Aroma is rich, with lots of roast and dark cocoa. Flavor is similar - very roasty, but never too bitter, with lots of chocolate notes and a mild sweetness mid-sip. Incredibly smooth from start to very clean finish, with just a slight lingering cocoa. Easily the best RIS I've had.
Mar 19, 2016
4.02 by stevehagy from New York on Mar 04, 2016
4.7 by Celtics76 from Rhode Island on Feb 27, 2016
4.34 by Patlee3324 from Massachusetts on Feb 24, 2016
4.13 by LeftHanded666 from New York on Feb 18, 2016
3.94 by Klister from Maine on Feb 10, 2016
4.15 by ChrisMyhre from Massachusetts on Feb 07, 2016
3.96/5 rDev -1.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by scotorum from Massachusetts
OTTER CREEK RUSSIAN IMPERIAL STOUT 2/2/16
Poured from the 12 oz. bottle into a Tree House stemmed tulip.
a: Opaque black with a hint of clear ruby at the very bottom. Half finger thick tan head receded to thin surface foam and spotty lacing.
s: Primarily chocolate.
t: Dark roasty malt with dark chocolate notes and a moderate bite which lingers in the back of the throat along with a little throat burn. Roasty malt finish. The chocolate becomes more prominant later.
m; Medium, very good body and loads of carbonation tingle.
o; A flavorful RIS which nicely covers its high ABV.
Feb 03, 2016
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by scotorum from Massachusetts
OTTER CREEK RUSSIAN IMPERIAL STOUT 2/2/16
Poured from the 12 oz. bottle into a Tree House stemmed tulip.
a: Opaque black with a hint of clear ruby at the very bottom. Half finger thick tan head receded to thin surface foam and spotty lacing.
s: Primarily chocolate.
t: Dark roasty malt with dark chocolate notes and a moderate bite which lingers in the back of the throat along with a little throat burn. Roasty malt finish. The chocolate becomes more prominant later.
m; Medium, very good body and loads of carbonation tingle.
o; A flavorful RIS which nicely covers its high ABV.
Feb 03, 2016
3.94 by AMCimpi from New York on Feb 02, 2016
4.09 by BeerForMuscle from New Jersey on Feb 01, 2016
4.39/5 rDev +9.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
by Scliff27 from New Jersey
Mouthfeel is abit light for Russian imperial which honestly I kind of like
Very easy drinking Russian imperial coffee chocolate are present slight caramel like advertised
It poured great too with wonderful aroma very enjoyable deserves an outstanding
Jan 24, 2016
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
by Scliff27 from New Jersey
Mouthfeel is abit light for Russian imperial which honestly I kind of like
Very easy drinking Russian imperial coffee chocolate are present slight caramel like advertised
It poured great too with wonderful aroma very enjoyable deserves an outstanding
Jan 24, 2016
Otter Creek Russian Imperial Stout from Otter Creek Brewing
Beer rating:
90 out of
100 with
618 ratings