Leinenkugels Big Eddy Russian Imperial Stout

4/5

AROMA 7/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 8/10 PALATE 5/5 OVERALL 16/20

12 ounce bottle into snifter, best by 4/25/2011(bottled Dec 2010). Pours pitch black with a nice 1-2 finger very dense tan head with fantastic retention that reduces to a thick cap that lasts. Some nice lacing clings to the glass as well. Aromas of big dark chocolate, roasted malt, coffee, dark fruits, apple, wood, light smoke, molasses, and caramel. Some nice and fairly complex aromas. Taste of rich chocolate, caramel, toffee, molasses, light fruit, coffee, roasted malt, herbal hops, and light smoke. Not much bitterness on the finish; with lingering notes of chocolate, caramel, herbal spiciness, coffee, and toffee for a good bit. Medium carbonation and medium-full bodied; with a very nice creamy and lush mouthfeel. Very easy and smooth to drink at 9.5%. Alcohol is extremely well hidden with only a slight warming noticed well after the finish. Overall this is a damn nice imperial stout. Easy drinking; with rich flavor, and nice balance.

A damn nice imperial stout offering from this brewer. I really can't say I have much interest in any other offerings though. Very smooth and drinkable for a big beer.