Stone Imperial Russian Stout Classic 2015 Release?

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by SummitSeries72, Jun 5, 2015.

Tags:
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. SummitSeries72

    SummitSeries72 Zealot (540) Mar 17, 2011 New Jersey

    I've long been a fan of Stone's Imperial Russian Stout. But I recently picked up a bottle that says "Classic 2015 Release." I don't detect anything different about this particular entry and/or vintage. Can anyone enlighten me as to what Stone means by calling it their "Classic 2015 Release"? I must be missing something. But it tastes no different than any previous releases or versions to me.
     
    #1 SummitSeries72, Jun 5, 2015
    Greywulfken likes this.
  2. maltmaster420

    maltmaster420 Initiate (0) Aug 17, 2005 Oregon

    On the odd numbered years they release a "classic" version and an "odd year" version of Old Guardian and RIS. The classic version is the same every year, and the 2015 odd year release is RIS infused with chai spices.
     
    #2 maltmaster420, Jun 5, 2015
    mackeyse, drtth, bluejacket74 and 1 other person like this.
  3. LiquidAmber

    LiquidAmber Grand Pooh-Bah (5,734) Feb 20, 2009 Washington
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah

    Stone is doing "odd-year" variants now. This year: Chai-Spiced Imperial Russian Stout. The "Classic" release is just to let you know what you already figured out, that it's the regular old standard.
     
    #3 LiquidAmber, Jun 5, 2015
    bluejacket74 and SummitSeries72 like this.
  4. TurkeyFeathers

    TurkeyFeathers Initiate (0) Jun 22, 2014 New York

    FYI If you find the chai version, skip it IMO .Meh, I love chai, I love beer but apparently not chai beer. I fought thru it and am cellaring the crap out of the 2nd one I bought, hopefully it'll change for the better.
     
    #4 TurkeyFeathers, Jun 5, 2015
  5. SummitSeries72

    SummitSeries72 Zealot (540) Mar 17, 2011 New Jersey

    Ah, gotcha. Funny thing is, I picked up both, the Classic and the Chai-Spiced versions. I just finished the Classic. I will be moving on to the Chai version soon. Apparently the Chai-Spiced version was not such a hit with BA readers. It is rated much lower. I guess I"ll be the judge of that soon enough. I will say that I love anything Chai though.
     
    #5 SummitSeries72, Jun 5, 2015
    bluejacket74 likes this.
  6. DerrickW

    DerrickW Pundit (991) Jan 17, 2013 Georgia

    I actually thought the Chai version was really good. Maybe I'm in the minority on this one.
     
    #6 DerrickW, Jun 5, 2015
    johnInLA, TravisSaps and StoneBrewing like this.
  7. SummitSeries72

    SummitSeries72 Zealot (540) Mar 17, 2011 New Jersey

    I may join you. Soon. I love Chai. But, apparently, most BAers are not so enamored. I will weigh in soon.
     
    #7 SummitSeries72, Jun 5, 2015
  8. StoutSnob40

    StoutSnob40 Grand Pooh-Bah (4,611) Jan 4, 2013 California
    Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    If you like cinnamon candies, you'll like Chai RIS. I couldn't finish an entire glass, personally.
     
    #8 StoutSnob40, Jun 6, 2015
  9. bluejacket74

    bluejacket74 Grand Pooh-Bah (5,305) Jul 4, 2005 Ohio
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah

    Then you'll probably like the Chai version as much as I did :grinning:
     
    #9 bluejacket74, Jun 6, 2015
  10. SummitSeries72

    SummitSeries72 Zealot (540) Mar 17, 2011 New Jersey

    Well, here's my verdict: As strange as this may sound, I tasted no Chai spicing whatsoever. And I am a guy who loves Chai spicing. I don't often go to Starbucks, but when I do, I like my Chai Tea Latte. (I sound like the commercial for Dos Equis, don't I?) I can't say that I hate this beer, but I like the Classic better. Maybe my taste-buds are dead, but I honestly don't taste any Chai spices here. Pity!
     
    #10 SummitSeries72, Jun 6, 2015
  11. Greywulfken

    Greywulfken Grand Pooh-Bah (5,815) Aug 25, 2010 New York
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Love it every year. Took a pass on the chai version. Just didn't pique my interest.
     
    #11 Greywulfken, Jun 6, 2015
    crazycatcouple likes this.
  12. Lazhal

    Lazhal Pooh-Bah (1,890) Mar 13, 2011 Michigan
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    I had the same experience, and will second this for anyone contemplating the chai. Don't do it if you're on the fence.
     
    #12 Lazhal, Jun 6, 2015
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.