Russian Imperial Stout - Hangar 24 Brewery

Rhcp1072

Texas

4.28/5  rDev 0%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

As I've been on a stout kick for a while, I was anxiously awaiting my friend who lives close to the Hangar 24 brewery to bring me one back from California (I live in Texas). This beer definitely lives up to the 15.8% ABV and is definitely one of the most unique stouts I've tried.

A - Poured into a Sam Adams notched glass, this stout poured heavily, with thick, residual legs. The head wasn't heavy, not even measurable really, but the little I saw was very dark and thick and clinged to the edge of the glass.

S - The smell was brilliant. You do initially get a heavily influenced alcohol smell, but it quickly changes to a warm cocoa and coffee malt. On top of the chocolaty coffee goodness you get a hint of the bourbon barrels they used to age it in, which adds a nice finish to the whole smell.

T - This stout provides a kick up-front but quickly fades to a sweet and smooth chocolate-coffee taste with some toasted barley to finish it off. Unlike other stouts, the aftertaste that this beer lasted a bit longer, but had a clean and crisp finish (I'm guessing because of the higher ABV). This is definitely a good beer to have during the winter.

M - Given the 15.8% ABV, the stout doesn't have too much of an alcoholic feel to it when first felt then other high ABV beers. It finishes with a smooth, silky finish that leaves you wanting the next sip.

O - Overall, this beer was a complete treasure and privilege to try. I've had quite a few stouts and this one definitely is ranked high up on the list. If you're ever around their brewery or have a chance to try this stout (or any of their beers) I highly recommend it.

Serving type: bottle

12-22-2012 08:36:37 | More by Rhcp1072

UCLABrewN84

California

4.28/5  rDev 0%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap for the Summer Beerfest at Far Bar in Los Angeles, CA.

Pours an opaque black with a foamy dark khaki head that settles to an oily film on top of the beer. Small dots of lace slowly drip into the remaining beer on the drink down. Smell is of dark roasted malt, cookie dough, cocoa, and alcohol. Taste is of dark roasted malt, cocoa powder, cookie dough, and some slight coffee flavors. There is an alcohol kick and mild roasty bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a good level of carbonation with a crisp and medium bodied mouthfeel. Overall, this is a very good beer with some complex flavors that make it quite tasty.

Serving type: on-tap

07-29-2012 04:53:05 | More by UCLABrewN84