Imperial Russian Stout - Stone Brewing Co.

MusicmanSD

California

4.8/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

All this review should say is: HOLY F@#K, but I'll elaborate. This is by far the most looked forward to beer of the year for me, and lemme tell ya, the difference between bottle and cask makes this even rape harder even more. My first cask-conditioned beer, and wow, I was drunk halfway through my glass. This HAS to be stronger than the bottle! HAS TO BE! Slightly absurd! Felt nitro-y as well, VERY creamy and smooth, bitter, and alcoholy at the same time, but it blends oh so perfectly. Hard to scoff down, but it is one beast of a beer. Drink a chalice and you are DONE.

Serving type: cask

06-14-2009 04:15:58 | More by MusicmanSD

PutsDeBnABV

California

4.33/5  rDev -0.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Stone Imperial Russion Stout - '08 Cask
Beach Wood BBQ
A - Had the same color as all the other Stone IRS, but had a much larger foamy style head.

S - Not as many of the flavors came out in the smell, but you can smell a hint of chocolate and cherry mix.

T - It was a good taste not nearly as strong as others that were served on tap, all the same flavors just more mild

M - EXCELLENT mouthfeel. It had a warm fluffy feel

D - not as much alcohol taste coming out made this beer very drinkable anlong with the mouthfeel.

Serving type: cask

02-10-2009 23:00:56 | More by PutsDeBnABV

Premo88

Texas

3.69/5  rDev -15.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.5

22 oz. bomber poured into stout glass

L: black with 1/3-inch-plus tan head ... darker tan for the head, which laces well; it really is dang near black with only the very edges/bottom showing amber when held up to light

S: massive chocolate

T: booze ... and lots of it. chocolate and coffee notes but almost masked by an alcohol presence that comes off as dark red wine at times, as vodka at others.

F: solid all around

O: fantastic taste notes, a good nose and great show, but so much alcohol that it's too much. there is nothing hidden about the booze in this one. a fine brew if you like boozy beers. for me, the bomber is too much -- a 12 oz. bottle would be a better fit.

Serving type: bottle

06-17-2013 19:56:04 | More by Premo88

stella77artois

New York

4.3/5  rDev -1.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25

22 oz. bottle poured into pilsener glass.

A - Thick looking as soon as it exited the bottle. Made the mistake of pouring a little too fast as I wasn't seeing much of a head. Mistake! Head then blew up into a gorgeous, thick, brown colored, creamy looking froth. Beer is pitch black, even in the light. A small area just underneath the head was a dark red-brown when shined into light.

S - Lot's of sweet malt, some toffee/caramel, and coffee. A very slight alcohol smell noticed when warmed. Even a touch fruity when warmed, which I thought was interesting.

T - A wonderful tasting beer. Sweet malts, coffee, a dairy-type creaminess. The coffee was especially noticeable in the aftertaste. Can only imagine how intense their Espresso IRS is. When warmed, a bit of booze could be tasted, as could some warmth. Also noticed a peppery taste when warmed a bit. Interesting and delicious.

F - It's a stout, so of course it's thick. Felt a little sticky when warmed. Call me a novice or whatever, but although the taste was just as good when the beer warmed a tad, I preferred the feeling when it was colder. Just a little less sticky.

O - A delicious IRS, and it certainly deserves the acclaim it gets. Lot's of stuff going on in this one, all the normal stout flavors, with my palete noticing some fruit and pepper. Interesting and unexpected. But in a good way. Certainly a sipping beer not for the faint of heart. Thick as heck, and won't be liked by most. A beer that I don't see myself buying a lot, as I prefer to drink stouts on occassion rather than frequently, but this is an amazing beer. Highly recommended!!!

Serving type: bottle

06-11-2013 15:11:33 | More by stella77artois

dahlen22

New Jersey

4.29/5  rDev -1.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: Black with a 1/2 " head that is coffee colored.

Aroma: Coffee is what stands out.

Taste: Coffee, chocolate, molasses, with a bit of an espresso flavor, rich and malty with more coffee and caramel in the end. Smooth and complex.

Overall: Excellent for this style. It has all the flavors and qualities that one should expect from a Russian Imperial. The 10.6 abv is respectable and appreciated (not by my wife I should add). This is a sipper that should be savored and enjoyed. Cheers!!

Serving type: bottle

06-10-2013 23:26:26 | More by dahlen22

Tonmeister

Georgia

4.08/5  rDev -6.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Bottle poured into a 16 ounce Goose Island Glass

The Appearance is black with a thick brown head that dissolves into a thin brown head. The lacing is maintained constantly when tilting the glass.

The aroma is Chocolatey, sweet coffee like with dark roasted malts.

T: Slight chocolate and coffee presence; sweet black currants, slight alcohol presence blended nicely with a dark roasted malt.

The mouthfeel is thick with high carbonation.

Overall, this is a great russian Imperial stouts. I would have to say that it tastes very similar to the Espresso Imperial Russian Stout, except this one doesn't include the espresso bomb flavor that the other has. This is a stripped down version of its Espresso counterpart. This is as very smooth Russian Imperial stout. It goes down easy, and one can't taste the alcohol.

Serving type: bottle

06-08-2013 22:38:23 | More by Tonmeister

MadScientist

New York

4.74/5  rDev +8.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

A: A black beer with a persistent brown head made of compact bubbles.

S: Moderately strong aromas of roasted grains mixed with some caramel and a sweet note of alcohol. There some chocolate and coffee that comes through better after a sip.

T: Strong roast flavors with coffee and caramel. There is a medium hops bitterness but little from the roast, mostly just a smooth, crystal malt sweetness. A moderately-low citrus hops flavor and a light licorice character. The balance is somewhat bitter but not for lack of sweetness, there a fair amount of that in here. I read the back of the bottle and now my palate is locked on the fruit flavor being black currents, I might have said something different but it would have been in that park. Aftertaste of dry, roasted grain and some bitterness.

M: A mouth filling beer that is full bodied beer with moderate carbonation. Just enough alcohol to pretty much warm you all the way though.

O: Pretty much everything I want in a RIS just packed full or roast, chocolate, caramel, dark fruit, hops bitterness and some hops flavor while fresh. A rock solid beer that has has a lot going on while maintaining a lot of balance. Not really sure what more I could want that doesn't fit in the glass.

Serving type: bottle

06-07-2013 00:49:27 | More by MadScientist

roundthewaygirls

Virginia

4.51/5  rDev +3.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

poured from a bomber into a chalice.

A: half a finger of mocha head. motor oil black. good lacing. seems to be well carbonated.

S: dark fruit, plums, currants, raisins. bitter dark chocolate. hint of vanilla. the yeasts come out when it warms. complex and unwieldy.

T: ROASTY. dark chocolate. smokey. creamy, but the roasted character cuts the stickiness. coffee. alcohol is impeccably concealed. i can feel the HEAT from the ethanol when it goes down.

M: bold malts, medium bodied, well carbonated, viscous.

O: BOLD. wouldn't expect anything less from stone. very enjoyable. would probably mellow pleasantly with aging.

Serving type: bottle

06-04-2013 21:20:39 | More by roundthewaygirls

goochpunch

Texas

4.39/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

2013 Release

Pours out black with a milk chocolate head. Thick head at first, but then chills out to a thin cap. Smells very roasty and sweet with some dark chocolate. A good bit of booze is apparent. Roast isn't overwhelming in the flavor. I get a good bit of sweet, bready malts that stand out. Nice bit of chocolate and coffee as well. A little citrus rind from the hops. Alcohol is a little strong in the finish, but doesn't get medicinal. Mouthfeel is incredible. Thick, full, rich, smooth, with just a touch of prickly carbonation. Overall this is pretty awesome. It would be stellar with a few months to a year+ on it. WAY more drinkable fresh than some other Stone high abv releases. Can't wait to try this around Thanksgiving/Christmas.

Serving type: bottle

06-03-2013 00:52:19 | More by goochpunch

lsummers

California

4.38/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

Pours black as oil with a half finger rich brown head. Not too much lacing but definite alcohol legs.

Smells of dark roasted oats and cocoa with a hint of coffee and dark fruits. Tons of roasted notes.

Taste hits right off the bat with the roasted cocoa and subtle coffee notes. There's a slight hop feel in there that I'm surprised isn't getting completely covered up by the dark roasted character. A portion of the taste reminds me of the dark fruity notes that quads might have. Definitely a flavorful offering that doesn't disappoint. A hint of it's abv does come through but what's nice about it is the subtle hops and roasted malts help cover this up.

Mouthfeel is actually quite moderately carbonated. It is viscus but the carbonation helps it feel a touch lighter than it is.

Overall, this is a fantastic example of a Russian Imperial Stout. It's so flavorful and balanced yet offers something you can't really find in other RIS's. It's hard to explain but this is that one beer you need to try if you like the style. Not for the newcomer for sure, but definitely for someone wanting to explore the style.

Serving type: bottle

06-02-2013 02:23:40 | More by lsummers

jdhowe

California

4.31/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

22oz bottle of 2013 vintage, poured into snifter.

5/30/2013

A: opaque black, minimal light through the edges revealing a deep brown color. A mocha-colored head (deep mocha at times) pours about 1 finger thick and stabilizes as a thin, lightly foamy film.

S: Smell is strongly of milk chocolate and caramel, neither of which the bottle warns me of. Upon warming, dark fruit and coffee become evident, as does the alcohol. Despite its best warnings, I cannot detect anise in the nose. Not an unpleasant smell, but almost a little cloying. I am glad the beer tastes a little less sweet than it smells.

T: Full-on coffee, cocoa, alcohol hit hard right up front. Dark fruit, and a bit of hop bitterness show through later. Upon warming, anise is very faintly detectable, but I've had never picked it up if I'd not been trying. Overall pretty damned delicious, though... certainly great for its price point.

M: Full, coating, and thick. Plenty of carbonation... almost too much at first. This is great, though... almost exactly how I want a stout to feel when I drink it.

O: Really a solid beer. For its price, it's definitely very good in its style. Not sure if I could recommend it over Old Rasputin, which is comparably affordable (even cheaper) and has the advantage of coming in 12oz bottles. The flavors are different between the two beers, for sure, but I'm not sure one is necessarily better than the other. Stone's IRS is certainly more complex. Very impressed with this... I'll be excited to see how it is doing in a year or two.

Serving type: bottle

05-31-2013 08:05:19 | More by jdhowe

boesesfleisch

California

4.36/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: Black, with no light coming through. It has a dark brown head that quickly dissipates.

Smell: Intensely chocolatey and complex. With subtle coffee and anise notes. Blown away by the odors coming out of this container even before serving.

Taste: Burnt coffee with subtle astringency, along with all the smells described above.

Mouthfeel: Thick and smooth. There is some heat coming from the high ABV.

Overall: One of the best RIS, I'm curious to see how it ages a few years from now. Needless to say, I will be picking this up again.

Serving type: bottle

05-30-2013 01:11:31 | More by boesesfleisch

twiggamortis420

Texas

4.29/5  rDev -1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

22 oz bottle of the 2010 vintage...so right at about 3 years old. Had this at various stages of aging and remains one of my favorite beers to buy in bulk each year. Pours an opaque black color with a brown cap of head. Retention is decent and lacing pretty.

Nose is a sweet chocolate milkshake....actually - check that. It smells like a Mudslide with an extra sidecar of vodka. So rich and chocolaty with just enough dark fruit and drying alcohol. Hops that are there fresh have nearly all disappeared from the aroma.

Fans of chocolaty stouts have to love this one. Sweet, but really dry on the finish surprisingly. The roast is kept pretty low and the fruit is maybe a tic below medium. Enough hops on the finish to barely be noticeable, and the mouthfeel is rich without being chewy. For something that has been around since 2002, it has really stood the test of time with flying colors. It may not be the best stout I have ever had...but for the availability, consistency and price - it is tough to beat in my book.

Serving type: bottle

05-29-2013 01:13:56 | More by twiggamortis420

flip387

Texas

4.16/5  rDev -4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

Appearance: 4.0

Pours coffe brown with a slight rich head. Dark black in the glass.

Smell: 3.75

Subtle sweet aromas, hints of chocolate and roasted flavors.

Taste: 4.25

Slight bitterness from the alcohol, full body, and roasted taste.

Mouthfeel: 4.5

Rich and bitter taste. Notes of chocolate and roasted flavors. Has a slight aftertaste. Very heavy and dark.

Overall: 4.25

A heavy, dark and rich beer with initial bitter bite. Leaves a roasted coffee to chocolate flavor after which is quite pleasant.

Serving type: bottle

05-28-2013 18:27:14 | More by flip387

BigBarley

Texas

3.98/5  rDev -8.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

Pours like motor oil, jet black, with a respectable khaki-brown head that recedes quickly to a light ring. Looks like an RIS if I've ever seen one..

Aroma is almost 100% licorice, behind it are very faint notes of chocolate and roasty malt goodness. If the nose is any indicator, this will be a stout for lovers of Anise.

Hmmm. Up front there's an extreme anise attack, with underlying notes of roasted malt. It's almost 2-dimensional, but still pleasing and fitting of the style. If you aren't a fan of licorice dominating your RIS, you need to try this beer's Espresso counterpart, but this one is definitely an anise-bomb. Hints of dark fruit are noticeable, and there's a bit of alcohol warmth, but it adds to the flavor instead of being off-putting. Without the alcohol notes, there'd be just licorice. This has enough thrown in to keep it interesting.

Thick, though not the muddiest of the muddy. Enough carbonation to drink well, enough body to keep you satisfied. Filling, and holding on to a nice bite from the carbonation. Enjoyable drinker for sure.

All in all, I'd prefer to have discovered a little more complexity in this beer, but even so, the anise is not as off-putting as some reviews lead me to believe. However, if you aren't into the licorice stouts, this is not going to be up your alley.

Serving type: bottle

05-23-2013 15:54:15 | More by BigBarley

richj1970

Alabama

4.41/5  rDev +0.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Poured from 22 oz bottle into teku glass.

A: Pours pitch black with nice one to two finger head.

S: Coffee mixed with bitter chocolate and roasted malts. Maybe a bit of smoky scents here also.

T: Lots of roasty flavors with chocolates and coffee up front. Flavors definitely more prominent as it warmed up. Don't drink this one cold. It was supreme as it approached room temp.p

M: Nicely thick as you would expect from an IRS.

O: Very nice. One of my favorite stouts. I think I prefer this to the espresso version, but want to drink another of each before reaching final conclusion.

Serving type: bottle

05-22-2013 01:10:33 | More by richj1970

tviz33

New York

4.63/5  rDev +5.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

Poured from a bomber purchased at Lewis Brothers Market in Horseheads, NY in to a tulip glass.

A-Pours darker than the ace of spades with a two inch light brown head that could float a penny.

S- Nice blend of flavors on the nose. Chocolate, coffee beans, licorice, and molasses.

T- The taste is pure joy. Big bold flavors that follow the nose. Very malty and slightly sweet. This is about as good as it gets.

M- Smooth as silk on the tongue. Moderately carbonated and so easy on the way down.

O- This is one fine RIS. You just gotta have it.

Serving type: bottle

05-21-2013 23:15:46 | More by tviz33

tittymcj

Connecticut

3.88/5  rDev -11.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Important: Do not drink this cold. It is a completely different beer when cold or chilled. Let it sit out for a while. You'll thank me.

A: Beautiful thick, dark black/brown body with a light brown head. Sticks slightly to the glass as it falls. Dark enough as to not let any light in.

S: Smells of dark coffee and chocolate. Interestingly, there is also a bit of spice in there. This helps keep it light and not overwhelm the palate.

T: Dark and roasted, as to be expected. Aftertaste is heavily of coffee notes that sit on your tongue. At the end, as with the smell, there is a bit of spice and citrus.

M: A bit thin at this point in it's aging. Like other reviewers have noted, it will likely settle a bit as it ages.

Serving type: bottle

05-21-2013 00:18:47 | More by tittymcj

blindnil

Oregon

3.38/5  rDev -22.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.25

This is too young to tell how good it will be eventually. My guess is a year in the cellar and it will be superb.

As of now, its hot alcohol bite is pleasantly neutered by deep chocolate, raisin and date syrupy mouth feel combined by nice hop overtone that fades in the clean finish.

Deep espresso color with chateau b malt colored head that laces nicely.

Can't wait for this to age but its still worth drinking one now.

Serving type: bottle

05-20-2013 05:20:23 | More by blindnil

TofuDC5

California

3.6/5  rDev -17.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A: Pours completely opaque; black. 1 finger light-brown frothy head that dissipates quickly; only a ring of froth remains once settled in glass.

S: Dark chocolate and molasses. Hint of licorice. Musty.

T: Quite a bit of malty dark chocolate.

M: Creamy, but not too thick. Light bitter sensation in the throat; lingering on the tongue.

O: Typical. Nothing sensational, but definitely a stout worth drinking. I think I'd enjoy this more with a meal than by itself...like a nice juicy burger =]~

Serving type: bottle

05-17-2013 04:28:29 | More by TofuDC5

SebD

Ontario (Canada)

4.29/5  rDev -1.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

Appearance: It has a nice jet black color to it. It has a nice dark tan head that dies down moderately slow and leaves very nice lacing.

Smell: The aromas definitely give out hints of dark chocolate, coffee/espresso, sweet roasty malts, some licorice and some smokiness.

Taste: Like the aromas, it has a some dominant coffee, espresso and chocolate along with some sweet roasty malts, some licorice, faint vanilla and a touch of smokiness. It has a light roasty bitterness.

Mouthfeel: It has a medium carbonation with a very nice overall balance and feel.

Drinkability: It's a very smooth drinkable beer accompanied with great flavors and aromas.

Serving type: bottle

05-12-2013 19:21:27 | More by SebD

ChrisKayler

Virginia

4.55/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

Drinking this while listening to Drudkh.

Glass: Blue Mountain Brewery ceramic mug.

Appearance: Dark and thick during the pour, but it's a little hard to see through a ceramic mug. A tiny head appeared and faded within about a minute. Looks like a RIS should.

Smell: Less burnt and bitter characteristics than some RIS's. Predominantly getting the smell of milk chocolate ... like those found from melting chocolate in a chocolate shop. Additionally, I get a little bit of vanilla if I inhale long enough. Maybe a little coconut? It smells absolutely delicious.

Taste: Very tasty! Initial flavor comprised of malt grain, with a surprising bitterness that almost tastes like baking chocolate. After bitterness fades, the real beauty begins. The chocolate comes through again, but in more of a sweet milk chocolate variety.

Mouthfeel: Heavy body with low carbonation. A little sticky, but not in a gross way.

Overall: I am enjoying this beer ... a lot! The Espresso version of this beer is a little better, to me, as it adds the coffee in a subtle manner without going over the top. However, if you don't want any coffee flavor this beer is so subtle, balanced, and tasty, with the perfect mouthfeel for the style. Would buy again it again in a heartbeat, and is a great value for the bomber.

Serving type: bottle

05-11-2013 00:56:49 | More by ChrisKayler

watsonmd

Georgia

4.76/5  rDev +8.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

Awesome... 22 oz bottle, serves at 51 degrees, snifter.

A: Black, with thick tan head. solid.

S: STRONG coffee, chocolate, malt

T: Wow. strong, sweet, thick, coffee/oak/vanilla/coffee/malt/cherry(?)

M: Coating, thick, lingers, and strong. Slight sweetness, but also a hint of aromatics (hops?)

O: Need more of this one. For the price, should get a case!

Serving type: bottle

05-10-2013 03:38:05 | More by watsonmd

stlunatic15

California

4.65/5  rDev +6.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

Bomber poured into DFH tulip.

A: Typical IRS. Dark color, 1-finger head, nice lacing, beige-like head.

S: Lots of dark chocolate and cocoa. Some espresso or coffee bean, and dark fruit (chocolate covered cherries, perhaps?).

T: Mocha and slight coconut & vanilla. Chocolate definitely overpowers the overall taste, however. A slight burn at the back of the throat given the fact that it is still young.

M: Viscous but not overly chewy. Standard IRS thickness, and definitely has a slight creaminess. Almost has a consistency of a creamy & thickened iced latte (which isn't a bad thing IMO). I love it.

O: What can I say, Stone's IRS has always been one of my favorite imperial stouts, and will continue to be. Of course it is an amazing beer after some age, but I personally enjoy it fresh just as much. This beer has a great kick of heat at the beginning with a satisfying smooth & clean finish. Definitely a world class stout.

Serving type: bottle

05-09-2013 08:36:01 | More by stlunatic15

JFresh21

Illinois

2.99/5  rDev -31.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

2013 vintage edition

This beer tastes like oak. The booze is well masked for 10% but its lacking the depth and flavors that make a stout great, chocolate and coffee. Stick with breakfast stout.

Not great but a well crafted beer if you dig the oak flavor.

Serving type: bottle

05-09-2013 03:05:36 | More by JFresh21