Big Bear Black Stout
Bear Republic Brewing Co.

Big Bear Black StoutBig Bear Black Stout
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From:
Bear Republic Brewing Co.
 
California, United States
Style:
American Imperial Stout
Ranked #1,420
ABV:
8.1%
Score:
92
Ranked #4,950
Avg:
4.13 | pDev: 9.69%
Reviews:
1,160
Ratings:
2,453
Status:
Active
Rated:
Apr 04, 2023
Added:
Oct 05, 2001
Wants:
  186
Gots:
  260
Big Bear is a big, black, stout you can really sink your teeth into. The bold, roasty, caramel malt flavor is balanced by Centennial and Cascade hops.

2009 California State Fair – 2nd GOLD
2009 LA International Beer Competition – GOLD
2007 Great American Beer Festival® American-Style Stout – SILVER
2002 World Beer Cup - GOLD
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Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Photo of TooManyGlasses
Reviewed by TooManyGlasses from Canada (AB)

4.09/5  rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Slightly aged 12 ounce bottle - pre 2020 for sure.
Pours inky black with decent half finger of tan to mocha coloured head.
Aroma of dark chocolate, dark fruits, caramel, piney hops, leather and molasses.
Roasty on the palate with dark chocolate, caramel, hint of cherry, molasses, tobacco and an earthy, piney bitterness.
Smooth medium full mouthfeel with decent carbonation (especially considering the age) lingering dark chocolate bittersweetness. Really decent adjunct free stout.
Apr 04, 2023
Photo of SABERG
Reviewed by SABERG from Massachusetts

4.04/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Poured from a 16 oz can dated PKG3/15/22. into the test glass
A - Cobalt black color, lovely, thick mocha cap, leaves ring after ring with each draw.
S - Burnt coffee, dark chocolate, a bit of orangey hop, mingles with piney hops.
T - Bakers chocolate, roast malts, molasses, pine, black pepper.
M - Leans toward the bitter through the experience, a bit of heft to the body, outstading dry finish
A - A very good American Stout, lots of body, excellent dry finish, hops are plentiful and balance well with the grain bill.
Aug 28, 2022
 
Rated: 4 by chicagoish from Pennsylvania

Apr 16, 2021
 
Rated: 4 by doctorgary from New York

Apr 12, 2021
Photo of Sigmund
Reviewed by Sigmund from Norway

3.13/5  rDev -24.2%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
Sample from bottle, RBESG 2005 Grand Tasting in Copenhagen. Very dark brown colour. Malty and roasty aroma. Very roasty flavour, a bit too sweet for my taste.
Mar 20, 2021
 
Rated: 3.97 by rsuarez1982 from Texas

Mar 17, 2020
 
Rated: 3.96 by beaulabauve from Louisiana

Mar 06, 2020
 
Rated: 3 by MrCPMJ from Texas

Dec 20, 2019
Photo of SportyCalvin
Reviewed by SportyCalvin

4.65/5  rDev +12.6%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
California aside, this beer is amazing. It's thick yet easily drinkable. I discovered it at Spec's in Austin when looking for stouts. It has a great taste, nice brown color, goes down well. Pretty decent, California considering.
Dec 01, 2019
 
Rated: 3 by stephenlee93 from England

Oct 09, 2019
 
Rated: 3.6 by Futbolmanby from Michigan

Sep 09, 2019
 
Rated: 4.41 by jroof1 from Massachusetts

Sep 02, 2019
 
Rated: 3.94 by brandoneast from Texas

Aug 05, 2019
 
Rated: 3.99 by desint from Belgium

Jun 19, 2019
 
Rated: 4 by ian_graf from Minnesota

Jun 09, 2019
 
Rated: 4.37 by dafla67 from Pennsylvania

Apr 12, 2019
Photo of AllOfTheCats
Reviewed by AllOfTheCats from Wisconsin

3/5  rDev -27.4%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
I'm not really sure why this is considered exceptional. Maybe as a stout, but not when comparing to thousands of other beers. Will not be buying again, but glad I was able to try a single bottle.
Mar 22, 2019
 
Rated: 4.3 by TCMike from Minnesota

Nov 10, 2018
 
Rated: 4.11 by Greener from Iowa

Sep 26, 2018
Photo of ordybill
Reviewed by ordybill from Georgia

4/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from a 12 OZ bottle into a pint glass. The appearance is a pitch black color with a long lasting brown head. The aroma is licorice. The taste is licorice and malt.
Sep 08, 2018
Big Bear Black Stout from Bear Republic Brewing Co.
Beer rating: 92 out of 100 with 2453 ratings