Matryoshka (Vanilla and Marionberries)
Fort George Brewery + Public House

 

L: pours see though dark brown with a finger of light brown head
S: light barrel and chocolate with some berries
T: very nice! The berries hit first then a wave of vanilla slides in with medium barrel throughout.
F: too much carbonation but smooth other than all the bubbles

6 oz pour from Chill N Fill. Portland, OR.

Stout. BBA. Vanilla. Marionberry. SOLD!

This pours as expected. When you look at a Russian Imperial Stout in a glass, you'd better see your reflection. It also better have a tanned head that hones into the center, subliminal and hypnotic. This Matryoshka does just that.

I've been fortunate over the years to come across some magnificent beers. I know that I'm biased based on my love for Marionberries, but this smells perfect. Sweet berries, crushed and soaked in Bourbon, aged on wood, served up with roasted marshmallows and toasted bread. Ho....ly...shee...it! Please be as good as it smells...

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Almost.

As a barrel aged stout, I'm a happy camper. But damn it, the marionberry influence is almost non existent. Toasted bread, roasted marshmallow, wood, caramel, raisin... Check, check, check. Marionberry? Lost. For those unfamiliar, Marionberry is the delicious love child of two types of blackberries, a blend of sweet and tart, neither of which are distinguishable here, but my God this would be glorious if it were.

This is thick, rich, almost even syrupy. A perfect host for the fruit that has been lost in translation. Boozy, strong, but almost perfect for the style. Stickier than most. Stronger than most. Matryoshka slaps you in the face, demands you to take another sip, and you know you'll pay for it in the end.

This... this beer is outstanding. But so disappointing at the same time! Aside from the aroma, that glorious berry is nowhere to be found. I want it. At least, I want more of it. Please, Fort George... do it again. Do it with more. This is damn near perfect. Zazdarovje!