Imperial Russian Stout - Stone Brewing Co.

kangarooAdam59

Pennsylvania

3.68/5  rDev -16%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

2013 bottle

Into a nonic:

A: jet black body with a one and a half finger's worth of tan foamy head, some light speckled lacing graces the sides of the glass

S: licorice/anise up front, chocolate, and dark coffee, light hops

T: I wanna say "chocolate covered hops", that's basically the first thing that really comes to my mind and am entirely being honest and didn't necessarily feel any other way of saying it, no aftertaste, but a bitter finish

M: medium, somewhat sessionable - seems slightly on the border. I see the high ABV, but I'm thinking this one should be a bit thicker since its a RIS by style, hmmmm...????

O: usually I'm a fan of most Stone products, but right now I'm thinking what happened here???, I mean I know I can say I had a clean palate for this review, so, I think all I can say is I'll eventually revisit to see if anything actually changes (perhaps a bad bottle...???)

Serving type: bottle

04-22-2013 01:20:21 | More by kangarooAdam59

Moose90

Colorado

4.44/5  rDev +1.4%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

1 PT. 6 FL. OZ. 2013 CLASSIC RELEASE 10.6% Alc/Vol

A – Black and thick, head is thin, but reminiscent of a nice espresso. Lacing is great.

S – Sweet here, notes of licorice, anise, cocoa, and dark bitter coffee. Lightly floral and estery.

T – Bitter, dark and rich. Licorice, black pepper. Strong, and powerful.

M – Great, carbonation is high for the style, but helps balance out the pepper and ester notes.

O – Great again from Stone. Fresh this is almost too bitter and potent; it will improve greatly with age.

Serving type: bottle

04-19-2013 04:46:12 | More by Moose90

sjverla

Massachusetts

4.6/5  rDev +5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Nose: Milk chocolate, cocoa nibs and creamy vanilla. Plenty of roastyness. balanced well with smooth sweetness.

Appearance: Tar-black and equally opaque. Coffee-colored bubbles coat the top and stick to the glass.

Taste: Really awesome. Sweet and roasty. Semi-bitter chocolate, creamy caramel and burnt sugar and coffee bitter finish. Velvet smooth with a little warmth lingering at the end.

Overall: A great beer at a good price. This will probably become a winter regular.

Serving type: bottle

04-07-2013 22:22:00 | More by sjverla

Beerandboards

New Mexico

4.19/5  rDev -4.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

2012 vintage, about a year old right now

A - looks great. Inky black with a thick, dense, coffee colored head, pours about 2 inches. Looks just like a stout should.

S - vanilla and coffee, chocolate, maltiness, smells tasty.

T - I've had this fresh and now a year old, so some comparison is necessary here. The year old seems to be at an awkward stage. The chocolate and molasses flavors that I remember from the fresh have mellowed and blended very nicely. However, the hop edge has NOT. There is still a big kick of hops at the end that is now out of balance. Fresh, everything is big and, even if a bit messy, is balanced, I've got a few others to see how they do in a couple more years.

M - good. Maybe a bit high carbed, but far from bad.

O - everyone says that this one does well with age. At 1 year, I don't agree. The hops are still very prominent, while the other flavors have mellowed, leading to a big imbalance. I'll check again at 2 and 3 years, but right now I'm inclined to drink this one fresh.

(Ratings are a combo of fresh and aged impressions)

Serving type: bottle

04-03-2013 03:52:35 | More by Beerandboards

chrisgalvin

California

3.3/5  rDev -24.7%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5

Like the Abyss, I wasn't feeling this one. I'm quite partial to all Stone Beers (IPA, CaliBelgi, etc.) and this one didn't do it for me. I'm still not sold on Imperial Stouts. Yes, I am an arse and I tend to like DIPAs, Belgis and Koslch. Then again, it's all subjective, right? :-)

Serving type: bottle

04-01-2013 04:39:39 | More by chrisgalvin

cclark67789

Pennsylvania

4.71/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75

A: Dark motor oil, just what you would expect out of a classic Russian Imperial Stout
S: The nose had strong aroma of chocolate that was delightful
T: The taste is what shocked me most, incredibly smooth, there was not hint of booze in the taste, only the exceptional presence of chocolate and roasted malts that left you with a warming feeling.
M: Mouthfeel is superb and thick. It gives it the lingering sensation of being coated with chocolate milk.
O: Overall I am supremely ecstatic that I came across this excellent aged beer. Truly a masterpiece.
The 2007 was delicious as well, just had a bit more booze presence and carbonation was actually within the Russian Imperial as well. Another success from Stone.

Serving type: bottle

03-30-2013 22:30:01 | More by cclark67789

ThePaleRider

California

4.49/5  rDev +2.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Served on tap at the Stone tap room in South Park.

2010

A - Pitch black with a milk chocolate head and thick brown lacing on the glass. No light is passing through the glass. Soooo pretty.

S - Lots of chocolate and roasted malts. Really reminds me of an oak aged stout. Lots of vanilla hiding in there as well.

T - Lots of chocolate and smooth malts. Even after being aged there's still a little booze hiding in there, but it's the good kind, if that makes any sense. This brew is just getting better and better and I feel all the flavors are really complimenting each other.

M - Very rich and dry. Not a lot of carbonation. Heavy and really leaves you wanting another sip.

O - So glad I was able to get this when I did. Having a brewery tap room close by is such an amazing privilege. Thanks for this amazing brew Stone!!!

Serving type: on-tap

03-20-2013 03:55:55 | More by ThePaleRider

AmitC

Indiana

4.39/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

2009 IRS... 22 oz bomber

Poured half bottle into a snifter.

First half

Medium thick dark brown colored pour. Black in the glass. Very thin slightly shiny brown colored head that does not have enough retention. Decent lacing. Opaque.

Aroma is just very moderate. Upfront burnt up and roasted malts. No booze and no hops. Slight dark chocolate very faint coffee.

Taste has a lot more warmth to it than the nose suggests.Finish is slightly bitter both hops and charred bitter. Slightly sweetness and molasses like as well. Overall dominance is by roasted and charred malts.

Mouth feel is full bodied. Seems to have mellowed down a lot. Low carbonation. Smooth drinking. Slight alcohol warmth and heavy.

Overall and excellent beer that stands up to the style but offers very few other things.

Second Half

Very excellent lacing and superb one and half fingers thick head. Excellent head retention.

An awesome taste. This sure is an awesome stout.

Style Rate: 4.5
Personal Rate: 4.5

Serving type: bottle

02-23-2013 01:53:07 | More by AmitC

hctap00

4.31/5  rDev -1.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25

Pours pitch black with solid light brown head that reduces to a thick lacing. Head is not too bubbly or fizzy, which is a turn off in other beers.

Initially, the nose is very chocolate heavy. Very rich. Some roast, noticeable alcohol. As it warms, the anise that I knew this beer would have becomes very pronounced. I like it. Still enough roasted malt and chocolate to balance it. Aroma lacks the complexity and layers of other top stouts, but is still very nice.

I rather like this one. Not the best RIS I have had, but very bold, unique, and assertive. Not much in the way of bitterness of roasted malt flavor. Anise, chocolate, and booze dominate, in that order for the most part. While the anise/licorice is powerful, it is not overwhelming. There is always enough rich malt backbone to balance it out. Alcohol is assertive throughout. Finish leaves something to be desired, a bit bland.

Mouthfeel is fantastic. Very creamy and smooth. Makes me want to go back for another sip. Exactly what I want from and RIS.

Glad I finally tried this one. Would definitely buy again when I am looking for a change of pace. An interesting take on the style. It does not have the complexity of others, such as Founders Imperial Stout, but still very enjoyable. I like what Stone has done here.

Serving type: bottle

02-22-2013 00:16:19 | More by hctap00

trxxpaxxs

New York

4.38/5  rDev 0%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to sliverx for this one... 2007 vintage...

A: Pours black with almost no head whatsoever. All that shows is tiny ring of exceptionally small bubbles around the edges of the glass. There is no lacing to speak of.

S: The nose is raisins, dates, chocolate, and malt.

T: The taste follows the nose. At first I am hit with raisins and dates and other fruity sweetness. The chocolate notes begin to shine as it reaches the middle of the palate. The finish is chocolaty and malty.

M: Full bodied beer. It's incredibly smooth and silky. It hits the palate hard, but slides off nicely.

O: This is a very good imperial stout, and it has held up excellently since 2007. The flavors are still vibrant, and I don't detect much oxidation in the beer. I'm very happy to have been able to try this beer with age on it.

Serving type: bottle

02-21-2013 15:48:33 | More by trxxpaxxs

Spectre

California

3.9/5  rDev -11%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

The version I had was a 2009 consumed in 2013.

A.Thin black texture with a dark brown head.

S.A light scent of dark chocolate and coffee.

T.Fairly sweet for a stout. Majority of the flavor is like the scent. Chocolate, coffee, and a hint of vanilla.

M.Full body. Not too thick, goes down real smooth.

Overall this is a good Russian Imperial Stout. Not the best but great for a beer you can get anywhere.

Serving type: bottle

02-21-2013 06:03:54 | More by Spectre

kagent777

Utah

4.1/5  rDev -6.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

22 oz bottle purchased in Las Vegas from the 2011 release. This one is poured into my CCB snifter.

Appearance: Pours thick with a nice deep tan head about one finger thick. Leaves nice lacing on the glass.

Smell: Cocoa, roast, coffee, spice and dried dark fruit (black cherries).

Taste: Semisweet bakers chocolate, roast with a bit of char, subtle dark fruits. This one is nice and complex. No American hops flavors, but a general bitterness on the back end from the generous hopping.

Mouthfeel: Thick and almost syrupy with a huge body. Almost too many residuals here. The carbonation is low and soft, great for the style.

Overall: A very tasty IRS, a little on the sweet side for me. I really wish we could get Stone in Utah.

Serving type: bottle

02-18-2013 05:05:26 | More by kagent777

CurtFromHershey

Pennsylvania

4.44/5  rDev +1.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

2011 bottle, poured into a spiegelau tulip. Rich, almost black color. Huge dense beige head which would probably still linger if you left it sit out for a year. Ridiculous lacing. Sexy,sexy beer.

Smell is somewhat boozy, but like a fine liquor. Subtle aromas of vanilla bean and cappuccino.

Taste is much more chocolate malt forward than I anticipated given the nose, a welcome surprise. Strong roasty finish. No alcohol detected at all.

Mouthfeel is thick and creamy. Beer has certainly he'd its carbonation since '11.

Overall a great beer that probably deserves more credit. Somewhat overshadowed by the bastards I think. Will buy in the future. Thanks to danwho for this extra.

Serving type: bottle

02-16-2013 01:19:16 | More by CurtFromHershey

Neorebel

New Jersey

4.76/5  rDev +8.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75

Fantastic thick oily black look to this one, topped with a nice fluffy tan head. There is proper lacing going on later as I drink the beer down. As for the aroma, I am primarily enjoying dark fruit esters such as raisin & fig. The taste is smooth and sublime... very balanced between the dominant aforementioned dark fruits, molasses, toasted malt, and even a faint hopped flavor that edges its way in. The mouth feel and alcohol heat are just right, not too heavy like you may assume. Pleasantly dry finish that leaves you thirsting for more... Overall a practically perfect RIS!

Serving type: bottle

02-10-2013 23:43:52 | More by Neorebel

barczar

Kentucky

4.31/5  rDev -1.6%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

2012 vintage.

Pours an opaque onyx with a foamy half inch chocolate head that dissipates slowly, leaving light lacing.

Nutty, toasted malt, dark berries, and light notes of chocolate and roast malt form the initial aroma. A bit more subtle than expected. Raisins emerge as it warms.

Deeply caramelized malt, toffee, burnt breadcrust, brown sugar, coffee, and chocolate are evident in the initial sip. Dark berries, raisins, and a bit of sherry underlie the flavor profile. The finish is fairly roasty and a touch dry.

Body is fairly thick, with carbonation on the low side, and significant alcohol warmth.

Excellent combination of roast character and fruity esters. Just enough sweetness to counter the roast dryness. A bit alcoholic, but delicious.

Serving type: bottle

02-10-2013 22:35:50 | More by barczar

puboflyons

New Hampshire

4.64/5  rDev +5.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

From the 22 fl. oz. bomber - 2012 batch. sampled on February 9, 2013.

The pour is black with a modest, silky brown head that settles down after a moment to a ring around the glass.

Loads of interesting aroma including dark roasted malts, currants or other dark fruits, coffee, and a mellow hop note that some might think is alcohol.

The body is bold and smooth.

The taste is vibrant with mouth coating dark malts, sweetness, and a mild lingering hop bitterness. But smooth. The 10%+ alcohol is well-integrated into this beer yet it brings on a definite light-headedness if drunk too quickly. This is a fine Imperial Stout and could easily be on my Top 10 favorite beers list.

Serving type: bottle

02-09-2013 19:49:59 | More by puboflyons

dvanhandel

New Jersey

5/5  rDev +14.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Truly a Czar of beers. Pours like black Siberian crude. Leaves all other stones turned. A royalty that puts even Mr. Smith on the defensive. This beer has the power to command your attention. Afore all to God in Heaven - Hail! And to our Czar on earth - Hail!

Serving type: bottle

02-08-2013 23:48:58 | More by dvanhandel

RyanGoodman

Bolivia

4.83/5  rDev +10.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

This is my celebration beer for receiving residency status here in Bolivia. One of the 5 beers I brought with me in my luggage. This is the 2012 iteration of Stone's IRS.

The head on this beer commands attention. Billowy, creamy head, at least half an inch. It climbs up the glass, as if yearning to be drank, savored, enjoyed.

I have to say the smell is slightly off the norm for my opinion of RIS's. I'm not saying that it's not good. But, it's definitely hop forward in the nose. This is no surprise coming from Stone. That being said, you can detect the firm malt base. Roasty, burnt nuts...which compliments the intensely hopped nature of the beer.

First sip verifies what the nose suggests. Hops wash across the palate, followed by deeply, well roasted malts. A kick of bakers chocolate, strongly bitter....also complimenting the hop additions. There is something deeper, more complex in this beer. I believe it is the yeast strain, manifesting itself together with the alcohol presence. The alcohol is not overpowering, as many RIS's are more than 10.5% these days. The lingering finish is...bitter, as expected. But a welcoming bitterness, craving another sip. I think I will. Ahh yes, as room temperature finds this brew, it exhibits a finely tuned coffee flavor. And it doesn't just suggest coffee, but makes it's presence known with spikes of espresso/whole bean chewiness. Very nice indeed.

The mouthfeel is hansomely creamy. Not overly heavy nor weak and thin. A perfect balance.

Overall, a very worthy beer for a celebration. The question is, am I worthy enough to fully appreciate how well crafted this beer is? Stone, thank you. Thank you for providing me with 2 of the 5 beers that I brought with me to live in the southern continent! Thankfully I have 5 more waiting for me when I return, patiently waiting to be savored over the next few years. I'm anxious to see how the hops hold up with age, and to see how the darker flavors come to the fore. As close to perfect as can be at the age of just under one year. Well done!

Serving type: bottle

02-04-2013 00:49:41 | More by RyanGoodman

arfenhouse

California

4.06/5  rDev -7.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

2012 vintage 22oz. into a snifter and nonic pint.

A: Black with brown head. Decent sized head and retention.

S: Very large charred malt smell, close to a burnt smell. Very strong chocolate smell follows. Bit of dark fruit. A bit of the alcohol here.

T: Follows the nose very well. Very strong dark chocolate taste. A small bit of alcohol near the beginning. Grain is borderline burnt, bittering. Some brown sugar sweetness comes in around the middle but cannot compete with the bitter black coffee finish.

M: Full bodied. Medium carbonation. Slightly wet.

O: Nice big RIS that is on the bitter side. Alcohol is apparent but follows the bitterness of the beer. Flavor text "crude oil" definitely sums it up.

-[10] guy

Serving type: bottle

02-03-2013 09:59:25 | More by arfenhouse

themind

New Jersey

4.5/5  rDev +2.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Great stout! great mouth feel and aroma. Pours a small head and goes down quick. This is a great offering by Stone and a top notch stout. When available I will always grab a few. Flat out enjoyable stout that draws you in.

Bottom Line: Like stouts? look no further!

Serving type: bottle

01-29-2013 02:50:26 | More by themind

gr0g

New Jersey

4.33/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

2012 Release, consumed on 1/25/2013.
Having tried several other elite Imperial Stouts, Stone's loses a bit of lustre in comparison. Same aromatic profile as last year, but a noticeable fuel note even though this has sat for almost a year. Flavor is immensely malty, though still balanced. Bitter finish with hops shining through. Mouthfeel is good, but there's still room for improvement - could be chewier, smoother. This is a beast of stout that seems like it'll drink better with age. Let this one sit for a year or two for optimal enjoyment.

2011 Release.
Intensely black, a taller than expected head, maybe two fingers or so, rises up. It fades to a ring of chocolate mousse colored foam clinging to the snifter. Huge aroma emanating from the glass: a spicy, tobacco-like note upfront, leading to a lots of cocoa powder amidst a background of coffee grinds.

Flavor is huge too - massive dark chocolate flavor, roasted, even charred malt sweetness equally met by bitterness from the roast and the hops. Alcohol warmth is felt but only barely detectable on the palate (in the aftertaste, along with a bit of lingering bitterness). Never have I had such a massively flavorful beer before; my only knock on this is that it feels a bit too carbonated.

Serving type: bottle

01-26-2013 04:22:59 | More by gr0g

StaveHooks

Oklahoma

4.26/5  rDev -2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

22oz bottle served in a Stone Old Guardian glass. No lacing and average retention.

A - Pours as dark as a gargoyles soul, 3 fingers of espresso head

S - Rich caramel malt, chocolate covered berry fruit, black strap molasses, devils cake batter, doughy nut bread, vanilla cream, raisins, salted pretzels,

T - Creamy milk chocolate, devil's cake batter, deep roasted caramel, chocolate covered pretzels, cold espresso with cream, bitter salty around the edges, multi grain crackers, bready yeast, finishes with a roasted espresso bitterness.

M - Medium full body, very smooth and creamy, fine bubbled carbonation,

Rich and decadent flavors, incredibly smooth feel. Highly recommended. Wish I had another bottle of this.

Serving type: bottle

01-13-2013 01:07:55 | More by StaveHooks

jegross2

Illinois

3.38/5  rDev -22.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Reviewing the Imperial Russian Stout (2012 vintage) from Stone Brewing Company out of Escondido, California.
Score: 82

2012 vintage bottle purchased from a new bar in the Northwest Chicago Suburbs called "The Beer Market." Served in a snifter glass and enjoyed on 06/29/12. Review is from iPhone notes.

Appearance: Color is jet black with a thin strip of caramel of highlight atop the glass. Creamy mocha-colored head off the pour settles to a ring around glass. Average lacing, average lacing. 3.5/5

Smell: Milk chocolate, light roast and anise/black licorice. Hint of fig. Touch of dark chocolate too. 4/5

Taste: A lot more anise flavor on palate than nose. The bitter, acidic black licorice flavor is prevalent throughout. Chocolate and cocoa too. A little unsweetened dark fruit, and a straight alcoholic booziness towards finish that is "metallic" in flavor when the beer is on the colder side. A hint of roasted chocolate comes out as the beer warms up. 3/5

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied, low carbonation. Oily mouthfeel. Acidic, mildly bitter and surprisingly "boozy." 3.5/5

Overall: This is the first time that I have ever had this beer, and given its reputation, I must say that I was thoroughly disappointed. I found it to be nothing special, and way too boozy and licorice-forward. Given how much licorice flavor I got from this brew, I can only imagine how much is present in the Belgo-Anise variation from 2011. Still, you can't beat the price point...

Pairing: Stilton cheese.

Cost: $7.99 for a 22 oz (bomber) bottle.

Serving type: bottle

12-30-2012 04:44:20 | More by jegross2

Rainier

California

4.95/5  rDev +13%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

My type of beer!
Bottled in 2012 bought from bevmo and served in a tulip glass.

Was really dark. A light won't even shine through it, two finger head.

Smelled chocolatey, malty, coffee, and licorice. Could smell the alcohol... 10.5% on this thing!!!

Light bitterness compared to the IIPA's I've tasted in my short time drinking beer. No bitter aftertaste, which is great! Slightly hoppy. Tasted the dark chocolate in the end.

Very thick mouthfeel. Was pretty smooth.

I think this is the most balanced beer I have tasted to date. I really loved it and I probably will buy a couple more bottles of it so I can save it for later as it ages well.

Serving type: bottle

12-25-2012 07:18:57 | More by Rainier

micromaniac129

Pennsylvania

4.8/5  rDev +9.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

This baby smells super awesome with lots of depth. My first snif has a big big roasted malts aroma. Following in aroma one can also smell bitter chocolate, fudge molasses, coffee and licorse. Hints of alcohol say warning, warning, warning.
A thick deep mocha head sits on top of a black hole. No lacing and carbonation is unk.
This is juggernaut of a stout. It drinks thick of roasted and burnt malts and it's flavor depth is almost endless. I can definitly pull out molasses and coffee, bittersweet chocolate, licorise or ouzo from Crete when we came home from the desert.
Drinks smooth and heavy on the palette with a long lasting flavorful after taste. Oh, there is also sutle alcohol warming to finish it off.
Yes this indeed is a fantastic brew and quite easy to drink, but slow down there punk and sipper it.

Serving type: bottle

12-22-2012 14:07:41 | More by micromaniac129