Stone Imperial Russian Stout

4.7/5

AROMA 10/10 APPEARANCE 5/5 TASTE 9/10 PALATE 5/5 OVERALL 18/20

22 ounce bottle into wine glass, 2010 version. Pours opaque black color with a 2 finger dense tan head with outstanding retention that reduces to a fairly thick lacing cap. Thick lacing clings to the glass as well, beautiful. Aromas of huge coffee, dark chocolate, roasted malts, caramel, and a bit of smoke. Incredible well balanced aromas here, very strong as well. Taste of big bitter espresso, dark chocolate, caramel, roasted malts; with some vanilla, and a small bit of alcohol. Lingering notes of bitter coffee, dark chocolate, and caramel on the finish. Medium carbonation and fairly full bodied. Good amount of creaminess as well as it warms up, with a great mouthfeel and smooth drinkability for the alcohol level, but it is still quite a sipper. Overall, this is just a beautiful stout with a year on it, so much great flavor and fantastic aroma with very smooth drinkability.

One year has done great things to this brew. I currently have 6 bottles of 2011 in the cellar, so I plan on letting them sit, as I have plenty of other things to drink haha. I may pick up some older vintages if I see them around too.