NON-barrel-aged RIS's

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by SinBoldly, Jun 2, 2014.

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  1. SinBoldly

    SinBoldly Devotee (372) Apr 21, 2014 Illinois

    So I know this is almost heresy in this day and age, but I have definitely come to the conclusion that I prefer my Imperial Stout's sans barrel. (for some reason I do enjoy others, like BW, barrel-aged). Anyone else feel this way?

    So what's everyone's thoughts on the best non-barrel-aged RIS's? I've had, and greatly enjoyed:
    - Stone IRS
    - Ten Fidy
    - Pt5th
    - Expedition
    - WWS
    - Darkness (my all-time favorite)

    I've also got a couple bottles of Speedway that I need to try. Any other stellar RIS's should I seek out?
     
  2. rozzom

    rozzom Pooh-Bah (2,620) Jan 22, 2011 New York
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Founders Imperial Stout would be the obvious missing choice from your list. Awesome beer.

    Imperial Biscotti Break is another fantastic one. But although not barrel-aged, it has a few other things thrown in there, so maybe not as "pure" as you're looking for. Same with Mexican Cake etc.
     
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  3. Stevedore

    Stevedore Grand Pooh-Bah (5,096) Nov 16, 2012 Oregon
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    CCB Marshal Zhukov.
     
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  4. jkrug5

    jkrug5 Initiate (0) Dec 26, 2012 Maryland
    Trader

    Founders RIS is probably my favorite non BA RIS. Highly recommend.
     
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  5. EveningCordial

    EveningCordial Initiate (0) Apr 29, 2014 New Jersey

    Old Rasspy
    D.O.R.I.S. The Destroyer
    Narwhal
     
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  6. Snowpants

    Snowpants Initiate (0) Aug 8, 2012 Pennsylvania

    Samuel Smith's is still my favorite. It's my favorite Stout overall, and still one of my top beers.
     
  7. DieHippieDie

    DieHippieDie Initiate (0) Oct 12, 2012 North Carolina

    Founder's Imperial
    Olde Hickory Imperial Stout
     
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  8. johnInLA

    johnInLA Pooh-Bah (2,350) Jun 12, 2005 California
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Alesmith's Speedway Stout
    Port Brewing's Santa's Little Helper
     
  9. GreesyFizeek

    GreesyFizeek Grand High Pooh-Bah (6,026) Mar 6, 2013 New York
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Other than what's been mentioned, and excluding beers that contain a ton of adjuncts, I'll throw my hat in for Courage Russian Imperial Stout, just a knockout beer.

    Others I'll nominate:
    Smuttynose Imperial Stout
    Thirsty Dog Siberian Night
    Otter Creek RIS
    B.O.R.I.S. The Crusher
    NEBCO Imperial Stout Trooper

    Of the ones already mentioned, nothing beats Founders Imperial Stout in terms of non BA stouts. Just straight up baller stuff right. there.
     
  10. benloho

    benloho Maven (1,281) Jan 4, 2011 Utah

    I would add Yeti to that list.
     
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  11. Domingo

    Domingo Grand Pooh-Bah (4,252) Apr 23, 2005 Colorado
    Pooh-Bah

    Stone and BORIS are both great. If you like one with more hops, normal 'ol Yeti is great. Storm King is similar. Ten Fidy is a little more roasty (but not as much as it once was) if you like that note. Founder's is great all around.
    While I'm not a giant fan of it, Old Rasputin wins the $ for oz award by a mile.
     
  12. HRamz3

    HRamz3 Initiate (0) Feb 9, 2010 Pitcairn

    Yes. Often an old standard is the best choice.

    Old Rasputin
    Old Rasputin
    Old Rasputin
     
  13. BoardwalkBock

    BoardwalkBock Pooh-Bah (2,041) Aug 18, 2012 New York
    Pooh-Bah

    Stone RIS
    Old Rasputin (all time favorite non-BA RIS)
    Thirsty Dog Siberian Night
    Clown Shoes Blaecorn Unidragon

    and let us not forget, although I'm not entirely sure you would classify it as a RIS rather than just an imp. stout, Great Divide Yeti (and all it's variations).
     
  14. BradenMK

    BradenMK Pundit (897) Sep 24, 2012 Alaska

    Are we talking about Imperial Stouts in general or only Russian Imperial Stouts? I know the line is blurred, but it still seems like an important distinction. This site, after all, makes the distinction between American Double/Imperial Stout and Russian Imperial Stout.
     
  15. meb3476

    meb3476 Initiate (0) Apr 1, 2013 Massachusetts

    Founders Imperial Stout
    Lawson's Fayston Maple Stout
     
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  16. RummyRedbeard

    RummyRedbeard Pundit (899) Mar 8, 2013 Colorado

    Pretty Things Barbapapa
     
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  17. Clevelandcraftguy

    Clevelandcraftguy Initiate (0) Dec 4, 2013 Ohio

    Great Lakes Blackout Stout, look forward to it every year!
     
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  18. GeddyLeeRocks

    GeddyLeeRocks Initiate (0) Oct 14, 2012 Pennsylvania

    What he said! TWICE!
     
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  19. SeanBond

    SeanBond Pooh-Bah (2,904) Jul 30, 2013 Illinois
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Darkness is my all-time favorite too, so good choice!

    As others have mentioned, Founders Imperial Stout is awesome (my favorite of their stouts, actually), and probably my 2nd fave all-time. I actually really like Dark Lord, as well (it's up their with Darkness in terms of complexity), but it's a little too sweet to be #1 for me.

    Stone is great, Ten Fidy is great...I think Abraxas is probably up there in the top 5 for me, as well. I don't tend to like stouts with much coffee in them, but Abraxas has a lot going on to distract from the coffee. I would take a look at Brooklyn's Black Chocolate Stout and Boulevard's Dark Truth stout as well; they're a great deal for what you get.
     
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  20. Providence

    Providence Pooh-Bah (2,652) Feb 24, 2010 Rhode Island
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    I too prefer RISs without being barrel aged. I love bourbon and find when I am tasting a Barrel Aged Stout I want either just the bourbon or just the beer. Don't get me wrong, beers like BCBS and KBS are absolutely delicious, but it's rare that I'd spend any money on them.

    For a quality Imperial Stout that's not barrel aged look to Stone's RIS, Oskar Blue Ten Fiddy, Victory Storm King (hoppy one, if that's your thing), and Old Rasputin. Sam Smith's does an Imperial Stout that I am yet to try. I wager it's quite tasty.
     
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