Dark Sky Imperial Stout - Baird Brewing Company / Fishmarket Taproom

DarkerTheBetter

Pennsylvania

4.05/5  rDev +6.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Thanks to Gilgemesh for this one!

Looks quite dark, a deep dark brown rather with a few hints of port sneaking in around the edges of my glass. The head is a smooth tan and even film.

Smells of sweet, sticky barely that fades into milk chocolate with a soft toasty coffee beneath to give it some balance.

The flavor begins quite sedate, with a soft tickle of coffee along the sides of my tongue. This quickly unfolds into a more pronounced and robust smoky coffee that lingers long into the finish. Successive sips seem to burn this coffee into my mouth. Beneath I catch glimpses of ginger bread and molasses cookies.

Feels a bit big and sluggish although dry enough to finish clean.

Nice. Reminds me of other takes on the style that I remember fondly.

Serving type: bottle

11-14-2009 23:09:32 | More by DarkerTheBetter

Ego

New Jersey

3.54/5  rDev -6.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

eyes...
2 full fingers of dark cocoa head, black but not totally impenetrable, a good amount of carbonation traffic is observed, the head layers out in near flawless fashion, lacing and legs embrace in this very sweet looker, the head fades at a reasonable pace, but mostly this is a really solid looking brew

nose...
boozy raisins, some dry chocolate, a bit of wood must, caramel malts just peeking out from around the corner, nice but nothing amazing

taste etc...
follows the aroma with a bit more depth though, the carbonation makes this drink light but when that initial lightness fades a heavy flavor is laid on ya, the initial blasts are a bit too much in the raisin department for this old beerhound.... it is a bit distracting, the ABV is well hidden on this so... watch out. I suppose the best aspect of this brew is the nice lingering bitter chocolate tone left in your mouth for quite the long after glow...

verdict?
pretty good. it almost strays into barleywine taste territory a bit for me but not bad.

Serving type: bottle

05-04-2013 03:33:16 | More by Ego

CaptainNomihodai

Illinois

3.75/5  rDev -1.1%

02-28-2013 05:22:31 | More by CaptainNomihodai

chanokokoro

Illinois

4.21/5  rDev +11.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Fairly aggressively oured from a 12 oz. bottle into an unbranded snifter

A Russian imperial stout brewed in Japan at Baird Brewing Company located near Mt. Fuji. As someone who is very interested in Japanese culture and history and craft beer this brew is of great interest.

Pours an extremely dark motor oil brown capped by a fluffy beige two finger head that slowly reduces to a substantial foam ring. Above average retention, a good amount of splotchy lacing along the glass. Big roasted malt and grain, bakers chocolate, burnt raisins and some espresso notes. Opens with strong dark chocolate, black cherry, roasted barley and grain, dried dark fruit and some port accents. Finishes with abundant bitter hop notes, espresso, and bittersweet cocoa powder and a bit of warming alcohol. Lighter side of full bodied with a fairly high level of carbonation when compared with other Russian Imperial Stouts, smooth and slick. A very solid RIS. A bit lighter bodied than some other brews in the style, but fairly complex and definitely a brew that is worth revisiting. Kampai, indeed!

Serving type: bottle

02-14-2013 03:46:11 | More by chanokokoro

claytong

Vermont

4/5  rDev +5.5%

01-15-2013 05:41:26 | More by claytong

DocJitsu

California

2.75/5  rDev -27.4%

11-25-2012 22:54:59 | More by DocJitsu

gueuzeonhigh

Maine

4.15/5  rDev +9.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours as a bible black libation.
a small but long lived head

The nose gave off hints of coffee and toasted malt.

The flavor is/was a nice round "saftig" melange of toasted malt, hints of coffee, chocolate,
hops and everything else to "round out" an imperial stout.

A nice cordial mouthfeel followed the flavor hit.

My criticism is that it doesn't quite have the flavor "Whack" or the "gravitas" of a Russian imperrial-- it's in a way a little "soft" or maybe "pillowy"... yes all the ingredients are there of the Imperial Stout flavor.. even the 9% ABV but somehow the tires aren't fully inflated..

But don't get me wrong-- the strong overwhelming flavor "punch" of an imperial stout has its place. But this beer has its strong points-- it's when I'm not ready to duke it out with an "in your face" beer but I want the heavy stance of an "Imperial"-- here it is..

Then I took a look at where it's from-- and WOW! Usually "American Adjunct alikes" come from this place!

I purchased but one bottle- I'm going back for more...

I like I like I like..

Serving type: bottle

11-03-2012 01:44:20 | More by gueuzeonhigh

BEERchitect

Kentucky

4.3/5  rDev +13.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

And so the brewery at the foot of Mount Juji borrows Russian influence when adapting the roasty, alcoholic, and robustly flavors found in stout that shows that there's no limit to the flavors or techniques that influence their beers.

With a certain stouty appearance, the Dark Sky carries a nearly black coloration, if ever so tilted toward brownish hues because of the stain of roasted barley. A turbulent pour from the large format bottle yields a much lighter than expected carbonation that struggles to find a cask-like loosely knit head that's equally stained with tan. After relaxing a bit, the head settles like coffee creme and skirts the surface of the beer intermittently yet consistently.

The aromas of coffee and chocolate swirl about the nose with impressions of coffeehouse mocha lattes. Diving a bit deeper, the underpinnings of scorched toffee, rum-ish alcohol, and esters that belong to cherries, raspberries, vinous red grapes, and tawny port come to mind in the most savory and succulent aromas possible.

With a first draw off the rim, the flavors of the beer seem scattered with the taste of roasted coffeeish grain, cocoa powder, and ash. But as the subtle carbonation evens out, the beer reasonably light zest of carbon dioxide allows the beer to sit heavy on the tongue with an evenly and velvety coat of malt afterwards. Brownie batter, decedent espresso, and heavily caramelized molasses cling to the surface of the mouth with smothering charm.

Where the label boasts the integration of hop flavor and bitterness, I find those elements to be moderate if not understated. The bitterness of the beer are easily rendered from the coffee roast as much as it is from woodish hops. While pleasantly bitter and slightly astringent with the texture of grape skin and grain tannin, the finish is indefinite and powers through the warm alcohol thinning for a linger of robustly sweet malts that meld seamlessly with the next sip.

The pop of the cap provided the assurance of carbonation, but the pour caused caution to the eye. However, the beer's understated carbonation actually accents beer flavor in all its glory and all its flaws. In other words, the seduction of carbonation eludes the beer and leaves it wonderfully naked.

Serving type: bottle

08-07-2012 06:24:03 | More by BEERchitect

kaips1

Kentucky

2.75/5  rDev -27.4%

07-17-2012 05:58:07 | More by kaips1

bluejacket74

Ohio

3.55/5  rDev -6.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

633 ml bottle. Served in a snifter, the beer pours dark brown/black with a half inch tan head that stays around for a little while. Not much lacing. The aroma is nice, the brew smells like roasted malt, chocolate, toffee, and some coffee. The flavor is more bitter than I expected it to be since the aroma was sweeter. It tastes like dark chocolate, roasted malt, coffee, and some licorice. Mouthfeel/body is medium, it's a bit coating but it also seems thin for an imperial stout. The carbonation is low. I think it's a solid brew, but I was disappointed in this one since the other Baird beers I've tried in the past I liked a lot. I'd like to try this again in the future, but I think I'll wait a while before I do. $10.98 a bottle.

Serving type: bottle

07-14-2012 21:33:36 | More by bluejacket74

Jsenay

Texas

4.03/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Served from bottle into Russian River tulip

A - Pours a dark brown nearing black with tons of carbonation and a great head retention that lingers for some time. Very thick lacing.

S - Roasted malts, coffee, toffee, caramel, bakers chocolate

T - Huge flavor explosion of chocolate, dates, coffee and cream. Heavy roasted malt aftertaste.

M - Very smooth and creamy up front. Slightly bitter with a creamy and moderately dry/chalky finish.

O - Very delicious. It can be almost too bitter and dry on the finish but, it fits this beer style very well. It also seems that this beer is rather inconsistent due to some reviewers opening bottles that are basically flat/sour/oxidized. Suppose I lucked out with this one. Either way, this is my first beer from Baird and I am definitely looking forward to trying more of what they have to offer.

Serving type: bottle

07-13-2012 07:43:25 | More by Jsenay

kaelingirl

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev +5.5%

06-01-2012 03:56:34 | More by kaelingirl

champ103

Texas

3.48/5  rDev -8.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A: Pours a dark brown, nearly black color. A one finger tan head forms, good retention. Light lace.
S: Roasted malt, plenty of sweetness. Caramel, vanilla, chocolate, coffee.
T: Follows the nose, and pretty standard for a stout. Roasted malt, caramel sweetness, coffee, lots of chocolate.
M/D: A medium-full body. Low carbonation and on the thin side. Not hard to sip on, but one is enough.

Not bad at all, but just average. Enjoyable to try once, but a one and done for me.

Serving type: bottle

05-19-2012 00:22:08 | More by champ103

RblWthACoz

Pennsylvania

3.4/5  rDev -10.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Eh. This beer lack balance. Too malty tangy with a sweet edge that just doesn't work. There are some mild smoked tones that don't mesh well at all. It's lacking and poorly constructed. Doesn't work at all for me. A shame too, considering the price.

Serving type: bottle

05-09-2012 05:27:45 | More by RblWthACoz

shigg85

Japan

4.75/5  rDev +25.3%

05-07-2012 08:16:25 | More by shigg85

SawDog505

New Hampshire

2.65/5  rDev -30.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

Poured into a 20 oz Duvel tulip. Pours a very dark brown with a half inch of tan head with a very aggressive pour, little nervous something isn't right with this brew, but there is some spotty lacing. Smell is chocolate, coffee, molasses, and tobacco. Taste is dark chocolate, coffee, tobacco, and dark fruit. Body is thin, very little carbonation, dry even for the style, and not overly drinkable because of lack of life and body. Very big let down and I really don't think it was a spoiled bottle, because there was some carbonation and some lacing. First time ever saying this, but this my last bottle of this ever.

Serving type: bottle

04-28-2012 23:38:06 | More by SawDog505

jdhilt

New Hampshire

4.23/5  rDev +11.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours with a two finger khaki head that fades quickly to ring layer, leaving some lace. Black color, no highlights. Medium carbonation and medium bodied. Chocolate nose and flavor is roasted malty chocolate. High ABV is hidden. Not labeled a RIS but tastes like one. $9.99 for a 633ml bottle from Beverage Warehouse Winooski, Vt.

Serving type: bottle

04-27-2012 22:09:27 | More by jdhilt

Jhatwig

4/5  rDev +5.5%

04-04-2012 03:26:06 | More by Jhatwig

kojevergas

California

2.08/5  rDev -45.1%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 1.5 | overall: 2

633ml brown glass bottle with standard pressure cap served into a Guinness goblet in low altitude Los Angeles, California. Reviewed live. Acquired at Wally's Wine in Westwood, California. Expectations are average. Served refrigerator cold and allowed to warm over time. Not paired with food.

A: Pours no head whatsoever - excepting traces of floating tan foam on the edges. Colour is a solid off-black. Not real appealing, especially for the style. 9.00% doesn't excuse how bad/nonexistant this head is. The colour is suspect; it isn't quite black.

Sm: Roast and hops. Some light chocolate. Caramelized malt. A light to mild strength aroma overall.

T: Some roast and caramel alongside some hops. Imbalanced and badly built for the style. The lack of sufficient carbonation lends it a watery character, and it might even be a bit astringent. Some alcohol does come through. The hops are nice. I don't like it.

Mf: Horribly undercarbonated/flat. Smooth and wet. Too thick; a bit syrupy.

Dr: Difficult to drink because of its bad flavour and lack of carbonation. Not in any way refreshing. The ABV is poorly concealed. I'd never get this again, and I'll be regarding any future beers from this brewer with heavy skepticism. Inexcusable. This beer never should have made it to market.

D

Serving type: bottle

02-15-2012 01:21:20 | More by kojevergas

jondeelee

Massachusetts

3.88/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Dark Sky opens with a malty, yeasty nose that also bears a slight sourness, as of rising sourdough bread or marble rye dough. Black and chocolate malts are dominant, as are dark and sour fruit esters such as black cherry, fig, raisin, and prune. Some of the sour aromas may stem from a large hop addition, which does bring lemon/lime notes, as well as some grapefruit. As a whole, the nose is potent and nicely geared towards darker aromas, with just enough ash and tobacco to bring a smoky quality to what promises to be a sugary, chewy mouthful.

On the tongue, the beer opens with the same strangely sour notes detected in the nose, as in sourdough breads, lemon/lime sodas, and dandelion stems, these backed by a massive black and chocolate malt base that adds huge black coffee, tobacco, ash, and burnt offerings to the mix. The sourness lasts throughout the mouthful, not irritating or offputting, but definitely strange, as in when bright garlic-lemon collard greens are paired with the blackened ends of a well-done roast. These plant-stem notes become somehow more potent in subsequent mouthfuls, overpowering even the darker malts. The aftertaste is a continuation of the same, though the sour notes do die off faster than do the tobacco and ash flavors, leaving a more pleasant and familiar Imperial Stout memory. Mouthfeel is medium, and carbonation is medium-light.

Overall, this is certainly one of the more strange Imperial Stouts I've tasted, and knowing the beer is from Japan, I couldn't help but make soy sauce associations with the sour notes present in the mouthful. My bottle lacks a born-on date, so I have no idea what aging has happened since this was bottled. The beer does seem out-of-balance, however, as the plant stem/soy sauce/sour notes actually distract from the far more sugary and dark base--a base that would be enjoyable, were it more apparent. The beer also suffers from a slight alcoholic bite, the 9% ABV not quite hidden.

Serving type: bottle

01-27-2012 21:02:57 | More by jondeelee

silentjay

Massachusetts

3.65/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

dark brown to black with a big-bubbled mocha head that quickly dissipates while leaving behind some good lacing.

lots of dark fruits and molasses as well as some tropical fruit hoppiness that makes for an odd aroma that isn't bad by any means.

flavor is a lot more roasted and a bit chalky with just a bit of dark fruits and some woody hops. cacao and a touch of coffee come in to play, though were not evident in the aroma.

medium bodied and syrupy with just a touch of carbonation and a drying chalky finish.

not bad. But it doesn't compare at all to the best of the style. Would drink it again, but not buy it.

Serving type: bottle

01-03-2012 06:17:06 | More by silentjay

IronDjinn

Alberta (Canada)

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

From a 633 ml brown bottle. Pours out a dense opaque black hue, with a tall spongy mocha coloured head that slowly settles to a thick cap.

Aroma reveals some coffee, molasses, dry roasty grains, black currants, some dark dried fruit.

Sharp roasty notes up front in the flavour, along with a burnt and sour character from the roasted malt, espresso, char, and a touch of smoke. Some molasses sweetness peaks on the finish along with chocolate. Charred roastiness lingers on in the aftertaste.

Medium-full bodied mouthfeel, creamy, velvety smooth texture, moderate carbonation.

My first impression is that this sits as an RIS more due to the abv% than its character. It an enjoyable strong stout in its own right, but lacks a few typical characteristics of a typical RIS. Quite dry, and nothing wrong with that, and also rather mild in flavour although it does deliver a bit of complexity. On a personal level it's missing some oomph, although a degree of refinement is a skill of craft on its own as well. I'm not inspired to grab another one of these, yet am happy I tried it, Baird makes pretty solid beers regardless.

Serving type: bottle

01-02-2012 01:41:20 | More by IronDjinn

DoctorB2B

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev +5.5%

11-20-2011 18:59:49 | More by DoctorB2B

phichifiji00

California

3.5/5  rDev -7.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Appearance: black with tan head. No lacing.

Smell: roasted malt, chocolate, some hop presence.

Taste: roasted malt, chocolate, a bit hoppy.

Mouthfeel: full bodied, moderate carbonation, smooth.

Overall: A good imperial stout. Not very complex. Good drinkability.

Serving type: bottle

11-16-2011 16:45:04 | More by phichifiji00

richbrew

New Jersey

4/5  rDev +5.5%

11-15-2011 13:50:02 | More by richbrew