Old Baba Yaga
Bear Republic Brewing Co.

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From:
Bear Republic Brewing Co.
 
California, United States
Style:
American Imperial Stout
Ranked #1,130
ABV:
13%
Score:
92
Ranked #4,423
Avg:
4.19 | pDev: 10.02%
Reviews:
11
Ratings:
55
Status:
Active
Rated:
Apr 09, 2023
Added:
Dec 03, 2009
Wants:
  2
Gots:
  10
Named for the witch who guarded the fountain of life and death in Russian folklore, the black depths of this Russian Imperial Stout hold coffee, licorice, and bittersweet chocolate flavors.
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Rated: 2.74 by Roejogan from Canada (BC)

Apr 09, 2023
 
Rated: 4.11 by jmbeerdude91 from Arizona

Aug 25, 2021
 
Rated: 4.2 by FrancisM12 from New Jersey

Jun 05, 2021
 
Rated: 3.83 by kaseydad from California

Dec 22, 2018
Photo of smcolw
Reviewed by smcolw from Massachusetts

3.8/5  rDev -9.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Deep dark brown where no light passes. Modest starting head, but the rim bubbles remain throughout the tasting. Very little lace.

The aroma reminds me of sweet caramel and cream. It's like an ice cream with notes of vanilla. I don't smell any coffee or chocolate.

The start of the taste is mellow but the swallow is strong with alcohol, dark chocolate and hop bitterness coming through. Thinner body than I would expect from the sweet smell. Moderate carbonation. The aftertaste lingers in a subtle way with plenty of alcohol, cocoa, and a berry like sweetness.
Apr 28, 2018
 
Rated: 4.03 by Ristaccia from Nebraska

Nov 19, 2017
 
Rated: 4 by Sparky44 from Illinois

Nov 12, 2017
 
Rated: 4 by Vidblain from Minnesota

Oct 09, 2017
 
Rated: 4.06 by zekeman17 from Pennsylvania

Dec 06, 2016
 
Rated: 3.92 by jaydoc from Kansas

Oct 13, 2016
 
Rated: 3.68 by Sammy from Canada (ON)

Aug 29, 2016
Photo of BFCarr
Reviewed by BFCarr from New Jersey

4.34/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pours black with no head. Aroma is coffee and dark fruit. Taste is molasses, smoke, coffee and chocolate. Feel is a bit thin for an imperial Stout but still good. Overall, a good RIS but just shy of great.
Aug 26, 2016
Photo of Phil-Fresh
Reviewed by Phil-Fresh from California

4.41/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
A: Complex aroma of roasted malts, chocolate and coffee-like, light dried fruit, along with a slightly vinous barrel character.

A: Jet black color, totally opaque, with a thin khaki head that slowly recedes into the glass.

T: Rich and deep roasted grains with chocolate/coffee like characteristics, light fruity esters, with a light slightly vinous oak character.

M: Full bodied with light carbonation, very smooth silky texture.

O: Excellent; the beer has a great roasted malt and light ester aroma and flavor that is well-complimented by the slightly vinous cognac barrel.
Aug 18, 2016
 
Rated: 4.25 by BryanPeterson from Michigan

Jul 20, 2016
 
Rated: 4.41 by Sticksroom107 from North Carolina

May 24, 2016
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Reviewed by UCLABrewN84 from California

4.47/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 3.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.75
On tap at Bear Republic Brewing Company in Healdsburg, CA.

Pours an opaque black with a foamy dark khaki head that settles to wisps of film on top of the beer. Foamy swaths of lace form around the glass on the drink down. Smell is of dark roasted malt, cocoa powder, caramel, toffee, licorice, and vanilla frosting aromas. Taste is much the same with cocoa powder, fudge, caramel, toffee, molasses, dark fruit, red wine, and char flavors on the finish. There is a mild amount of bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a lower level of carbonation with a slightly crisp and medium bodied mouthfeel. Overall, this is a very good beer with a fantastic mix of cocoa, fruit, and sticky sugar flavors that make this one a treat to drink.

Serving type: on tap.
Feb 16, 2016
 
Rated: 4.15 by dertyd from California

Feb 12, 2016
Photo of JonSchwartz
Rated by JonSchwartz from North Carolina

4.59/5  rDev +9.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
On tap at Growler Grlz in Durham. It's like beer candy.
Jan 10, 2016
 
Rated: 4.15 by kdown from California

Mar 26, 2015
 
Rated: 3.85 by Highbury09 from North Carolina

Dec 05, 2014
Old Baba Yaga from Bear Republic Brewing Co.
Beer rating: 92 out of 100 with 55 ratings