Online Tasting: Russian Imperial Stout (May 24-27)

Good things come to those who wait?

Brooklyn has been brewing their Black Chocolate Stout since 1994 and to my mind 30 years of brewing makes this beer a classic.

Below is how this beer is detailed on BA:

“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.”

Will this beer still be ‘good’ after 10 years of cellaring? Well, let’s find out.

Served in a tulip glass:

Appearance

Dark mahogany colored approaching black with a thin khaki colored head.

Aroma

Aromas of dark malts including chocolate, a hint of vanilla but also dried dark fruits (e.g., fig, raisons, dried plums) as well.

Taste

The flavor follows the nose with chocolate and some dried dark fruit flavors (e.g., fig, raisons, dried plums). Low/moderate bitterness

Mouthfeel

Medium bodied, a luscious mouthfeel with an off-dry finish.

Overall

I think this beer is very good! I am very pleased how well this beer cellared for over 10 years.

I have 6 bottles of the Winter 2016 vintage (from a case purchase) still cellaring with plans to enjoy those beers over the next few years. I hope they mature as well as this bottle did.

Cheers!

@KOP_Beer_OUtlet @rotsaruch @RobH

 

Shit this started already?
I'll be back Sunday with something else if i have time.

Plead The 5th.
Something i should probably do when asked what i think about modern "Imperial Stouts""
Thank you @Whyteboar

 

I remember that team. Never, never missed a pass. Loved Igor Larionov! Scary good.

 

Do beers that present as RIS but are classified as American count? I’m away from my cellar and trying to make this work, but even though it mentions Peter the Great on the label (and why I bought it)

It’s classified as American here.
Either way, the RIS style is one of my favorite styles so I *will* be back with one that there is no question on. Just need to pick up some Old Rasputin. Or something.

 

I couldn't fathom not drinking this beer until Sunday , if at all this month, so i opened it.
Another one from @Whyteboar

 

Old Rasputin. The best RIS? Let’s see what the Advocates say over the weekend. Cheers.

 

That shouldn't even be a question .
The top list of RIS on here is such bologna

 

Nice. That can art fits you because it looks as though they're just about to raise their middle finger

 

Good day BAs! Off to a RIS start for the long (for yinz working stiffs) weekend while for us resting on our laurels it's just another few days of sleeping on the couch in front of the TV as we devolve into vegetables. Whatever.
I was going to do a side-by-side with Old Raspy but decided to just do a single since we have to go out for lunch.



Very nice. Not as bitter as Old Raspy but still a pleasing flavor with lots of roast and a little char.

 

Thanks to @ChicagoJ for setting up this thread and starting it. Let me be clear, there is no finer beer than Old Rasputin. That being said I thought I'd start with a pair of sessionable Russian Stouts, both being less than 10%ers, North Coasts Old Rasputin 4X12 $9, and a local, Two Brothers Northwind, 6X12 $10.


Look: Both beers were dark brown, khaki heads, Old Rasputin had a bigger head, and some lacing, otherwise the same.
Rasputin by a hair.

Smell: Coffee, bitter chocolate, some toffee. Old Rasputin smelled hoppier?
Rasputin by a nose.

Taste: once again, coffee, bitter chocolate/cocoa, toffee. Rasputin is a bit more bitter, Northwind is a little sweeter.
Advantage Rasputin.

Feel: Both beers were "thinner" than most stouts, well carbonated.
Call it a draw.

Overall: I have consumed OR for years, readily available 24/7/365, and is my beer, Northwind is a seasonal and rarely seen 40 miles from the brewery. I don't think I could have picked them apart. Northwind might be a hidden gem...I did buy another sixer of Northwind.

 

Another nod to Old Rasputin.



Has an ebony pour with 2" creamy, tan head, which lasts. Aroma is coffee, cocoa, roast malt. Tastes of coffee, tea, cocoa, roast malt, black malt, ash. Full body with a dry, astringent finish. When it Comes to Russian Imperial Stouts, you can't go wrong with "Old Raspy".

 

Thanks @ChicagoJ for getting us going.

Joining in with a Samuel Smith's Imperial Stout. I really enjoy the old school roasted coffee, raisins, and dark chocolate profile, dry and smooth. It even works on a warm day.



Cheers!

 

IMO the Barrelworks location is 5748738382o3i5u4ii3o2⁹⁹⁹⁹⁹ times better than Paso Robles unless you wanna do the tour at Robles as They have about 8 or so Barrel Aged Offerings of multiple vintages and styles at all times .

 

Okay, so I did the best I could at my local LS, ended up with 3 RIS, two AIS, one Imperial (by the label) Milk stout. Thought Ii'd list 'em and see if, by 7 tonight (I'm very regimented, lol) what you all think should be the drinking order (no, not all in one night- maybe not in 3, lol). The list:
Old Rasputin
Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Imperial Milk
Blackout Stout
DH World Wide Stout
Prairie Artisan Bomb!
SN Narwhal

 

Hello Darkness my old friend



Bottled 08/31/21.
Rich dark chocolate with some coffee and hints of sweet caramel.
So good sitting on the deck on this very windy Friday of a holiday weekend.