Planning Thread: Russian Imperial Stout Tasting (May 24-27)

Welcome one and all to first a planning discussion May 13 - May 23, followed by the much requested and anticipated Russian Imperial Stout tasting. We will use this thread for our pre-tasting discussion, and flip the switch Friday May 24 BA Universal Time to begin the actual tasting event.

I haven't hosted a tasting since 2023 March Beer Madness, so bare with me if I'm a little rusty at this.

• What beers are eligible for this tasting?
  • Any or all of the 4,458 and counting beers listed on BeerAdvocate as Russian Imperial Stouts.
  • Any additional beer not listed on Beer Advocate (please add) that is listed and sold by the brewery as a Russian Imperial Stout.
• How do I participate?
  • This thread and event is an opportunity to discuss, sample, rate, and enjoy Russian Imperial Stouts. Whether you have one or more offerings which you want to enjoy and share your experience with the group, discuss your favorites or what others are enjoying, this is the place to discuss all things Russian Imperial Stouts.
• Are all Russian Imperial Stouts eligible?
  • Yes. During the event planning stages, there were a few participants who suggested a strict non barrel aged, non adjunct event. However, several proponents did not, and keeping with the historical tasting event norms of BA, we will allow all Russian Imperial Stouts to broaden participation and discussion, and give BAs the broadest path to participate with one or more offerings they are able to secure and enjoy by Midnight, Monday, May 27 PDT.

So what do you have? What do you plan on picking up? Looking for advice in terms of suggestions? Excited?

You've come to the right place. Looking forward to hosting during the long U. S. Memorial Day weekend, and hope to see you here with a selection or two! Cheers!

 

Hopefully I recover a bit to enjoy at least one beer a day after I open the tasting at Midnight Friday Moscow Time. From West to East, these are some of the beers I'm considering, including North Coast's Old Rasputin and Firestone Walker Parabola many of you may have access to, a few excellent local offerings (DESTIHL's Dosvidanya - Rye Barrel & Wild Onion's Drago), and then a few Bell's cellar pulls with Expedition Stout and the 35th Anniversary edition.

If I'm ambitious, may also pull a Russian Imperial Stout from my two favorite Chicago breweries, Spiteful Brewing and or Revolution, the latter of which mostly brews American Imperial Stouts, but has a few variants of the Russian Variety. Goose Island classifies 100% of their Bourbon County Brand Stouts as American Imperial Stouts, beyond a few taproom/brewpub only releases, the last of which was rated on BA in 2019.

 

I never had or heard of Bravery or The Shroud, but I'm sure it is excellent.

I shop primarily at independent liquor stores with perhaps a couple times a year stop in attempts at Woodman's, and there are only adjunct Speedway Stouts available at the stores I go to at this time, and I can't justify adding to my near 9 cases of cellar beer. Wish we would get Speedway, IPA and .394 Pale Ale regularly (or they could ship directly to our state).

If my Drago is good, I will save two cans to give to you if you hit Chicago (or Sheboygan in July) before year end. I purchased the 2022 cans refrigerated from Woodman's in late 2024 Winter. I'm assuming they are still on point stored properly until that point, but will confirm during the tasting.

Looking forward to your selections and participation!