Black Chocolate Stout
Brooklyn Brewery
Beer Geek Stats
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- From:
- Brooklyn Brewery
- New York, United States
- Style:
- Stout - Russian Imperial
Ranked #247 - ABV:
- 10%
- Score:
- 92
Ranked #4,224 - Avg:
- 4.15 | pDev: 10.36%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Apr 22, 2022
- Added:
- Dec 04, 2000
- Wants:
- 480
- Gots:
- 1,549
SCORE
92
Outstanding
92
Outstanding
Notes:
This is the famous Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout. In the 18th century, Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia, ordered a stout to be sent to her from England. This beer was brewed strong and hoppy to survive the sea voyage, and it arrived in perfect condition. Soon "Russian Imperial Stout" became the toast of the Russian aristocracy. Brewed since 1994, our Black Chocolate Stout has itself become a modern classic, heralded the world over. It achieves its dark chocolate aroma and flavor through the artful blending of six malts and three distinct mashes. Properly kept, it will improve in the bottle for many years. This stout is the toast of the winter season in many countries, and there is nothing better to enjoy with chocolate desserts, cheesecake, ice cream, fine cheeses and roaring fireplaces.
Given this beer’s higher ABV and sturdy character, we think it’s a prime candidate for cellaring. Find a cool, dry spot away from light sources, and see how it changes in the years to come. You never quite know what will happen when you age a beer: perhaps the body will smooth out, notes of vanilla, oak, and tannins will come to the front, or hints of leather and soy sauce will make themselves known. No matter what, remember that beer is meant for drinking, so don’t keep it to yourself for too long.
Given this beer’s higher ABV and sturdy character, we think it’s a prime candidate for cellaring. Find a cool, dry spot away from light sources, and see how it changes in the years to come. You never quite know what will happen when you age a beer: perhaps the body will smooth out, notes of vanilla, oak, and tannins will come to the front, or hints of leather and soy sauce will make themselves known. No matter what, remember that beer is meant for drinking, so don’t keep it to yourself for too long.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
3.77 by KT3418 from Colorado on Apr 22, 2022
4.08 by not2quick from Missouri on Apr 12, 2022
4.29 by adamstef on Mar 17, 2022
4.15/5 rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by Iamaskier from Idaho
Happy to try an east coast classic. Smell is sweet, lots of vanilla, some maple syrup, a bit of coffee, and a slight bourbon character. Taste follows- sweet and rich. Toasted malt dominates. Caramel, marshmallow, some piney hoppiness, bitter dark chocolate, and nutty coffee on the finish. Smooth drinking, and I can taste the alcohol. It lives up.
Feb 17, 2022
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by Iamaskier from Idaho
Happy to try an east coast classic. Smell is sweet, lots of vanilla, some maple syrup, a bit of coffee, and a slight bourbon character. Taste follows- sweet and rich. Toasted malt dominates. Caramel, marshmallow, some piney hoppiness, bitter dark chocolate, and nutty coffee on the finish. Smooth drinking, and I can taste the alcohol. It lives up.
Feb 17, 2022
4.75/5 rDev +14.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
by bitterbeer from New York
A stout to cherish: strong, bitter, excellent chocolate without usual sweetness — wish it was a regular year long.
Feb 12, 2022
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
by bitterbeer from New York
A stout to cherish: strong, bitter, excellent chocolate without usual sweetness — wish it was a regular year long.
Feb 12, 2022
4.41/5 rDev +6.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
by burnstar from Pennsylvania
Pours black with a nice tan head with some lacing on the surface throughout. Smell is roasted malt with some chocolate notes. The beer delivers on its black chocolate promise but without becoming cloying or gimmicky. The first few sips have a big spicy alcohol hit before it settles in and you get used to it. Nicely balanced between bitterness from the roasted malt, some underlying sweetness, with that black chocolate note throughout. Heavy and boozy although it's tasty enough to have a couple.
Jan 30, 2022
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
by burnstar from Pennsylvania
Pours black with a nice tan head with some lacing on the surface throughout. Smell is roasted malt with some chocolate notes. The beer delivers on its black chocolate promise but without becoming cloying or gimmicky. The first few sips have a big spicy alcohol hit before it settles in and you get used to it. Nicely balanced between bitterness from the roasted malt, some underlying sweetness, with that black chocolate note throughout. Heavy and boozy although it's tasty enough to have a couple.
Jan 30, 2022
5 by Trainradio2 from Ohio on Jan 17, 2022
4.75 by KrissyKat6 from New York on Jan 09, 2022
4.11/5 rDev -1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
by jackflaps from Pennsylvania
Winter 2019 series.
L: Very dark, tan head that fades quickly.
S: Boozy at first, before the chocolate comes in. Some roastiness too.
T: Lots of chocolate, some roasty malt, a little anise maybe?
F: Very smooth. Gets better as it warms up.
O: Underrated, somehow? The chocolate is very understated but it's a good balance of flavors and a pleasure whenever I get around to having one.
Jan 04, 2022
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
by jackflaps from Pennsylvania
Winter 2019 series.
L: Very dark, tan head that fades quickly.
S: Boozy at first, before the chocolate comes in. Some roastiness too.
T: Lots of chocolate, some roasty malt, a little anise maybe?
F: Very smooth. Gets better as it warms up.
O: Underrated, somehow? The chocolate is very understated but it's a good balance of flavors and a pleasure whenever I get around to having one.
Jan 04, 2022
3.57 by Avitra from Switzerland on Dec 31, 2021
4.75/5 rDev +14.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
by DDiFran from Ohio
This beer is as close to perfection as it gets. Outstanding look, smell, taste and mouthfeel.
L: Opaque with a light brown head that leaves a lot of lace
S: roasted coffee licorice and chocolate
T: same
F: plush
One of the best Russian imperial stouts
Dec 31, 2021
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
by DDiFran from Ohio
This beer is as close to perfection as it gets. Outstanding look, smell, taste and mouthfeel.
L: Opaque with a light brown head that leaves a lot of lace
S: roasted coffee licorice and chocolate
T: same
F: plush
One of the best Russian imperial stouts
Dec 31, 2021
4 by kp7 from Massachusetts on Dec 25, 2021
4.34/5 rDev +4.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by Peach63 from New York
Ebony with a 1/4" tan head, which dissipates. Light lacing.
Aroma is coffee, chocolate, roast malt.
Taste is coffee, dark chocolate, roast malt, licorice. Acidic.
Full body, light carbonation. Dry, astringent finish.
Outstanding! This is one Imp Stout to tyry before you die.
Dec 19, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by Peach63 from New York
Ebony with a 1/4" tan head, which dissipates. Light lacing.
Aroma is coffee, chocolate, roast malt.
Taste is coffee, dark chocolate, roast malt, licorice. Acidic.
Full body, light carbonation. Dry, astringent finish.
Outstanding! This is one Imp Stout to tyry before you die.
Dec 19, 2021
4.43/5 rDev +6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by lastmango from Pennsylvania
Poured black with a fizzy dark tan head that dissipated quickly to a thin film. Light lacing. Nose of light molasses, malt and dark chocolate. Initial taste of sweet malt and then an explosion of flavor from burnt toast, dark chocolate, oak and bitter black licorice lingering on the finish. This is a huge taste bomb with various layers. The high ABV is somewhat hidden. Moderate-light body with fine carbonation. Slightly slick with a lingering stickiness on the lips. Although I expected a slightly thicker brew, the overall feel is quite good. Sip this slowly and roll it around on the tongue to get the best experience. I would definitely buy this again.
Dec 16, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by lastmango from Pennsylvania
Poured black with a fizzy dark tan head that dissipated quickly to a thin film. Light lacing. Nose of light molasses, malt and dark chocolate. Initial taste of sweet malt and then an explosion of flavor from burnt toast, dark chocolate, oak and bitter black licorice lingering on the finish. This is a huge taste bomb with various layers. The high ABV is somewhat hidden. Moderate-light body with fine carbonation. Slightly slick with a lingering stickiness on the lips. Although I expected a slightly thicker brew, the overall feel is quite good. Sip this slowly and roll it around on the tongue to get the best experience. I would definitely buy this again.
Dec 16, 2021
4.18 by RichRubes610 from Pennsylvania on Dec 06, 2021
4.09/5 rDev -1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by BeerAndGasMasks from Virginia
Again, after many years, I try this brew. From the bottle, it pours a stygian dark black color with a nice light brown head that reduces and leaves lacing. Roasted and burnt malts in the nose. The mouth follows the nose, with some bitter chocolate as well.
Dec 05, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by BeerAndGasMasks from Virginia
Again, after many years, I try this brew. From the bottle, it pours a stygian dark black color with a nice light brown head that reduces and leaves lacing. Roasted and burnt malts in the nose. The mouth follows the nose, with some bitter chocolate as well.
Dec 05, 2021
4.06/5 rDev -2.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by maxarvo from England
Crisp, bitter, wouldn’t guess 10%, unlike many stouts at this level which ooze alcohol as well as adjuncts- none of those in this, relatively mild taste of chocolate and bitterness, coffee etc. very drinkable, for a rich 10% imperial stout. Really great, good for winter.
Nov 30, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by maxarvo from England
Crisp, bitter, wouldn’t guess 10%, unlike many stouts at this level which ooze alcohol as well as adjuncts- none of those in this, relatively mild taste of chocolate and bitterness, coffee etc. very drinkable, for a rich 10% imperial stout. Really great, good for winter.
Nov 30, 2021
4.54/5 rDev +9.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
by PathofChaos from Maryland
Appearance:
A full, two fingers of creamed froth the color of burnished beige that laces in slippery webs. This voluptuous head retains only a few moments before being swallowed up by the glossy blackness below.
Bouquet:
Smoked barley and charred baker’s chocolate are engulfed in a tremendous whirlpool of dark malts. As it airs, the barley and malts take a backseat as tremendous dark chocolate emerges from its charry cocoon, bold and unmitigated.
Feel:
The very definition of a stout: dense and full-bodied. Carbonation shows restraint, content with becoming lost in a warm, boozy, woodsmoke linger.
Taste:
Copious quantities of scrumptious, bitter black chocolate, subsumed by an avalanche of booze-drenched dark grains and black bread suffused with charcoal smoke.
Nov 29, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
by PathofChaos from Maryland
Appearance:
A full, two fingers of creamed froth the color of burnished beige that laces in slippery webs. This voluptuous head retains only a few moments before being swallowed up by the glossy blackness below.
Bouquet:
Smoked barley and charred baker’s chocolate are engulfed in a tremendous whirlpool of dark malts. As it airs, the barley and malts take a backseat as tremendous dark chocolate emerges from its charry cocoon, bold and unmitigated.
Feel:
The very definition of a stout: dense and full-bodied. Carbonation shows restraint, content with becoming lost in a warm, boozy, woodsmoke linger.
Taste:
Copious quantities of scrumptious, bitter black chocolate, subsumed by an avalanche of booze-drenched dark grains and black bread suffused with charcoal smoke.
Nov 29, 2021
4.13/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by skisonic from Maryland
Its an almost oozing thick dark ale on the border of jet black, with a warmly tinted head.
Dank notes of prominent tannins, vanilla, oak, and of course chocolate.
Smooth. Surprisingly light-bodied.
A maltiness and a dark chocolate bitterness, I honestly forgot it was a 10% but it doesn't surprise me.
Still a great offering.
Nov 25, 2021
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by skisonic from Maryland
Its an almost oozing thick dark ale on the border of jet black, with a warmly tinted head.
Dank notes of prominent tannins, vanilla, oak, and of course chocolate.
Smooth. Surprisingly light-bodied.
A maltiness and a dark chocolate bitterness, I honestly forgot it was a 10% but it doesn't surprise me.
Still a great offering.
Nov 25, 2021
4.34/5 rDev +4.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by LesDewitt4beer from Minnesota
12 ounce bottles dated DEC 2018. I bought it/drank OCT 2019.
Pours jet black, thin toffee head. First: quick black ale w/dark bitter cocoa pow. Second: raisins prunes and dates, booze, all dipped in bittersweet hop chocolate. Third: booze, light smoke notes. Hops and bitter cocoa go for miles- at least 01:45. Long lingering bitter darkness. It is excellent in every way.
Nov 19, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by LesDewitt4beer from Minnesota
12 ounce bottles dated DEC 2018. I bought it/drank OCT 2019.
Pours jet black, thin toffee head. First: quick black ale w/dark bitter cocoa pow. Second: raisins prunes and dates, booze, all dipped in bittersweet hop chocolate. Third: booze, light smoke notes. Hops and bitter cocoa go for miles- at least 01:45. Long lingering bitter darkness. It is excellent in every way.
Nov 19, 2021
4.12 by jmbeerdude91 from Arizona on Nov 19, 2021
3.5 by chrisb53188 from Wisconsin on Nov 11, 2021
4.24/5 rDev +2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by NiceTaps from New Jersey
On tap in a 10 ounce stout snifter glass.
Pours opaque pitch black color. The cap is dense dark tan, 1f, lots or dripping lacing.
Aromas of Belgian dark chocolate and cocoa powder. A note of vanilla as it warms.
Dark roasted malt and 85% cocoa dark chocolate flavors.
Full bodied with intense dark chocolate bitterness. The 10.1% abv does not hide itself.
Pretty much a straight up malt stout that develops a chocolate flavor. Very good.
Nov 07, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by NiceTaps from New Jersey
On tap in a 10 ounce stout snifter glass.
Pours opaque pitch black color. The cap is dense dark tan, 1f, lots or dripping lacing.
Aromas of Belgian dark chocolate and cocoa powder. A note of vanilla as it warms.
Dark roasted malt and 85% cocoa dark chocolate flavors.
Full bodied with intense dark chocolate bitterness. The 10.1% abv does not hide itself.
Pretty much a straight up malt stout that develops a chocolate flavor. Very good.
Nov 07, 2021
4.45/5 rDev +7.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
by CTHomer from Connecticut
A: opaque; very dark brown - almost black; less than a 1 finger medium brown head that receded to a thick, finely pored collar; very little lacing;
S: Ovaltine;
T: deeply roasted grain for a moment, then Ovaltine; moderately bitter finish;
M: full bodied; moderate carbonation; dry finish;
O: really, really good - don't know what else to say;
Sep 10, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
by CTHomer from Connecticut
A: opaque; very dark brown - almost black; less than a 1 finger medium brown head that receded to a thick, finely pored collar; very little lacing;
S: Ovaltine;
T: deeply roasted grain for a moment, then Ovaltine; moderately bitter finish;
M: full bodied; moderate carbonation; dry finish;
O: really, really good - don't know what else to say;
Sep 10, 2021
3.93/5 rDev -5.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
by nick_perry from North Carolina
Minimal head which is slightly tan in color. Moderate chocolate aroma. Certainly feels like a true stout, with strong malt flavors and a slightly bitter finish. Very smooth, with a good amount of carbonation. 10% ABV makes it a bit boozy. Not as much chocolate taste as I’d like, though.
Sep 10, 2021
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
by nick_perry from North Carolina
Minimal head which is slightly tan in color. Moderate chocolate aroma. Certainly feels like a true stout, with strong malt flavors and a slightly bitter finish. Very smooth, with a good amount of carbonation. 10% ABV makes it a bit boozy. Not as much chocolate taste as I’d like, though.
Sep 10, 2021
4.31 by desint from Belgium on Aug 19, 2021
3.75 by Hayley_86 from Netherlands on Jul 08, 2021
4.13 by Derptiluderp from Indiana on Jul 08, 2021
4.06 by samEBC from Belgium on Jun 24, 2021
4.07/5 rDev -1.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
by rapayn01 from Kentucky
My youngest daughter, who is much more of a beer drinker than her older sister, gave me one of these in a mix 6er at Christmas. She lives in NYC and it was a mix of local beers. This stout had very nice chocolate flavors and excellent mouthfeel, but it's very boozy. I think my abv cap is closer to 7.5, but it was interesting to try and it was a great gift.
Jun 16, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
by rapayn01 from Kentucky
My youngest daughter, who is much more of a beer drinker than her older sister, gave me one of these in a mix 6er at Christmas. She lives in NYC and it was a mix of local beers. This stout had very nice chocolate flavors and excellent mouthfeel, but it's very boozy. I think my abv cap is closer to 7.5, but it was interesting to try and it was a great gift.
Jun 16, 2021
4 by BeerRay from Rhode Island on Apr 10, 2021
4.37/5 rDev +5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by LeBron_James from Canada (ON)
2020 edition.
Pours black with small tan head, left no lacing and faded fast.
Smells really inviting. Nice dark chocolate with tons of roasted notes and some light vanilla sweetness.
Taste follows the nose. This is an awesome flavour profile. Dark chocolate, roasted malt, vanilla, caramel, some coffee on the back, and 0 alcohol so this one’s a bit dangerous.
The mouthfeel is sadly kind of thin. Not super full bodied like what I expected for a big stout but it doesn’t ruin the experience. Carbonation is light and the finish is smooth and dry.
Overall, this is a really cool beer and I’m glad I got to try it. It’s balanced very well.
Mar 27, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by LeBron_James from Canada (ON)
2020 edition.
Pours black with small tan head, left no lacing and faded fast.
Smells really inviting. Nice dark chocolate with tons of roasted notes and some light vanilla sweetness.
Taste follows the nose. This is an awesome flavour profile. Dark chocolate, roasted malt, vanilla, caramel, some coffee on the back, and 0 alcohol so this one’s a bit dangerous.
The mouthfeel is sadly kind of thin. Not super full bodied like what I expected for a big stout but it doesn’t ruin the experience. Carbonation is light and the finish is smooth and dry.
Overall, this is a really cool beer and I’m glad I got to try it. It’s balanced very well.
Mar 27, 2021
4.08 by emerge077 from Illinois on Mar 18, 2021
4.09 by o29 from Texas on Mar 18, 2021
4.32/5 rDev +4.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by Parmesan from Colorado
L:. Pours a dark black with a small tan head and no lacing on the glass.
S:. Sweet dark chocolate, a hint of vanilla, some smoke and ash, a touch of caramel and tobacco.
T:. Sweet dark chocolate, roasted malt, a nice touch of vanilla, and it finishes with a nice long lingering smokey roasted bitterness. Really like the taste of this.
F:. Smooth silky body, little lighter than expected.
O:. It's nice to have a normal imperial stout without all the crazy stuff in it, and this one is fantastic.
Mar 13, 2021
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
by Parmesan from Colorado
L:. Pours a dark black with a small tan head and no lacing on the glass.
S:. Sweet dark chocolate, a hint of vanilla, some smoke and ash, a touch of caramel and tobacco.
T:. Sweet dark chocolate, roasted malt, a nice touch of vanilla, and it finishes with a nice long lingering smokey roasted bitterness. Really like the taste of this.
F:. Smooth silky body, little lighter than expected.
O:. It's nice to have a normal imperial stout without all the crazy stuff in it, and this one is fantastic.
Mar 13, 2021
4.41/5 rDev +6.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by BergBeer from Hawaii
Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a tulip glass
Look: Opaque black with a rich mocha colored head
Smell: Rich bitter sweet chocolate, burnt toast, and vanilla.
Taste: Big blast of semisweet chocolate, rye bread, vanilla, and oak up front. Then a body of cold brew coffee and chocolate.
Feel: Thick and coating. Covers the palate. Big bitterness. Medium alcohol. Smooth carbonation.
Overall: A great example of the style and one tasty brew.
Mar 04, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by BergBeer from Hawaii
Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a tulip glass
Look: Opaque black with a rich mocha colored head
Smell: Rich bitter sweet chocolate, burnt toast, and vanilla.
Taste: Big blast of semisweet chocolate, rye bread, vanilla, and oak up front. Then a body of cold brew coffee and chocolate.
Feel: Thick and coating. Covers the palate. Big bitterness. Medium alcohol. Smooth carbonation.
Overall: A great example of the style and one tasty brew.
Mar 04, 2021
4.56 by OB1Kubota from Michigan on Feb 18, 2021
4.18 by Taenim from New Jersey on Feb 14, 2021
4 by pete6341 from New Jersey on Feb 13, 2021
4.34 by nasharm from New York on Feb 11, 2021
Black Chocolate Stout from Brooklyn Brewery
Beer rating:
92 out of
100 with
6984 ratings