FSB: 2018
Fair State Brewing Cooperative

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L: deep dark brown with a 1" dark tan to brown head with fair to good retention.

S: Has rich layered aromas and smells like baked goods with rich grain, some coffee and chocolate, dark dried fruit, some nuttiness,

T: rich nutty chocolate with a light coffee accent, fudgy, moderately sweet with a mild alcohol warming - nothing hot or harsh.

F: Very rich, creamy and chewy - almost syrupy.

O: a rich dessert beer that might encourage some to find a scoop of vanilla ice cream to plop in the glass.

 

Type: 16-oz. can
Glass: Rip Current 8-oz. beer glass
From: Sam K.
Price: N/A
Purchased: N/A; Received Jan. 18, 2019
Consumed: Jan. 27, 2019
Reviewed as: Russian Imperial Stout
Misc.: Canned on Dec. 7, 2018

Thanks, Sam!

Got this on Sam and Laura’s visit out here. Had liked everything I’ve tried from Fari State and this one appeared to be right up my alley. Can description read, “The 2018 version of our yearly Imperial Stout is a massive beer infused with orange zest and vanilla. Brewed with oats and an amalgamation of our favorite dark and roasted malts, it's just the thing to sort out your holiday dessert plans.” Nice.

Poured a pitch black color with 1-to-2 fingers of frothy-to-fizzy head. Some bubbles streaking up from the bottom of the glass. Bad watery lacing. Decent retention. (Sight - 3.25)

Smelled vanilla, milk chocolate, orange zest, chocolate syrup, dark fruit, caramel malt and a bit of black licorice. Pretty much the same from the can. (Smell - 4.25)

First thing I thought on the taste was how smooth it was, especially for a 13.9 pct. beer. Got vanilla, milk chocolate, chocolate syrup, orange zest, caramel, dark fruit, hints of sticky molasses and some black licorice. (Taste - 4.50)

Full body. Sticky texture. Average carbonation. Long, smooth, warming finish. (Feel - 5.00)

Just a marvelous RIS. Couldn’t believe how smooth it was for 13.9 pct. A world-class beer. (Overall - 4.50)

4.42 | 98 | A

 

 

 

 

 

Pours black with a creamy frothy brown foam head that slowly dissipates. Smells like a nice Russian imperial stout, fudgy dark chocolate, coffee roast, dark fruits galore, bittering hops, with a nice added touch of orange zest and creamy vanilla. Taste follows with a real dark charriness throughout, baking chocolate, black coffee, dark fruity black grapes, plums, black cherry, some dark molasses, toffee, vanilla, orange zest, ash, charcoal, with moderate bitter earthy hops. Viscous heavy medium bodied, creamy with moderate carbonation. Overall a nice RIS with orange zest and vanilla.

Just a phenomenal beer- this one gives BCBS a run for its money- better value too. Motor oil black, ABV is well hidden. I was concerned about orange in my stout but the orange and vanilla are just right and work perfect together. Almost approaches too sweet, but stops just short and leaves it at a perfect balance for this style. Had on tap on New Year’s Day- and I have already had the best beer of 2019. 4 pack of 16 oz cans- about $25.00 worth every penny!

 

Fair State 2018 FSB RIS, 13.9% ABV, 70 IBU. Pours thick like oil, pitch black, with a slight dark brown head on an aggressive pour. Nose is roast malt, vanilla, and a faint citrus. Taste is all roast malt, with a moderate to heavy bitter close. Smooth and thick mouthfeel. Overall excellent, though a bit too bitter for my taste.