Russian Imperial Stout - Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant

jwinship83

Illinois

4.18/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

750ml corked and caged bottle traded to me from user InjuredReserve. thanks! drank from my stone IRS snifter.

A- the beer pours out an opaque black body with a taller than expected khaki colored head on top. the head takes its time falling, and leaves behind small rings of lacing. very nice.

S- the first thing i pick out of the nose are roasted malts. after that i get some chocolate (both milk and dark) followed by a little bit of black licorice. coffee and earthy hops move in towards the end.

T- the taste starts out with more of the dark roasted malts that i could smell before moving onto some chocolate. both milk and dark are represented, but the dark makes a stronger showing. the little bit of black licorice that i was able to smell seems to have grown in the taste, but nothing near the offensive level (think belgo anise IRS). earthy hops and espresso on the finish. a little bit of alcohol shows throughout.

M- the body is on the lower side of full. the carbonation is a nice and subdued level. moderate alcohol warmth. very smooth.

O- this is a very good and under appreciated RIS. this is something id love to be able to pick up again. check this out if you get the chance.

Serving type: bottle

07-24-2011 00:38:19 | More by jwinship83

Texasfan549

Texas

4.25/5  rDev +1.2%

05-12-2013 20:24:12 | More by Texasfan549

kjkinsey

Texas

4.25/5  rDev +1.2%

05-11-2013 18:07:36 | More by kjkinsey

Huhzubendah

District of Columbia

4.43/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Shared by Megan. Thanks!

The beer is a deep dark brown with minimal head. Big chocolate roast and char aroma. The flavor follows suit. Rich and viscous with fairly low carbonation. Alcohol content hidden gracefully. Overall, a splendid beer and terrific example of the style. I would relish the opportunity to have this again.

Serving type: bottle

05-06-2013 01:53:33 | More by Huhzubendah

brheuer

New Jersey

4.5/5  rDev +7.1%

03-24-2013 23:11:10 | More by brheuer

mportnoy

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -4.8%

02-25-2013 02:35:35 | More by mportnoy

GeoffreyM

Pennsylvania

4.25/5  rDev +1.2%

02-11-2013 15:32:00 | More by GeoffreyM

George2744

Pennsylvania

4.25/5  rDev +1.2%

02-08-2013 16:25:14 | More by George2744

2dogbrew

Virginia

4.5/5  rDev +7.1%

01-20-2013 22:26:43 | More by 2dogbrew

salthemonster

New Jersey

4.25/5  rDev +1.2%

01-12-2013 19:48:04 | More by salthemonster

micromaniac129

Pennsylvania

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

Came out jet black with a good size mocha head with lots of lacing in it.s wake. A wonderful aroma of roasted malts and coffee and dark chocolates greeted me. Taste was as in the nose with a deeply roasted taste followed with some coffee and espresso notes.
Easy drinking and smooth despite the heavy ashen feel.

Serving type: on-tap

01-06-2013 12:47:39 | More by micromaniac129

hopstermonster1

Pennsylvania

4.25/5  rDev +1.2%

12-15-2012 18:35:39 | More by hopstermonster1

tapbit

Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev +7.1%

12-13-2012 14:06:38 | More by tapbit

Twal

Colorado

4.25/5  rDev +1.2%

10-26-2012 02:57:05 | More by Twal

Daniellobo

District of Columbia

4.25/5  rDev +1.2%

10-21-2012 20:26:18 | More by Daniellobo

t0rin0

California

3.75/5  rDev -10.7%

10-15-2012 01:20:30 | More by t0rin0

claspada

New Jersey

3.9/5  rDev -7.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a pitchblack colored topped by a full, bubbly, khaki-colored head that leaves some minimal lacing as the head recedes.

Aromas begin with roasted, acrid dark malts with notes of baker's chocolate, stale licorice, burnt bread crusts and emerging alcohol notes..

The tastes begin with melted milk and dark chocolate followed by some caramel sweetness. Hints of toasted bread crusts, espresso roast and licorice. Mild, roasty, earthy bitterness.

The mouthfeel is medium to full-bodied with mild carbonation. Finish is dry and roasty from the ample dark malts.

Overall a very solid beer from an unknown local brewpub chain. A bit one noted and straight-forward in the flavor profile but enjoyable none-the-less. Not sure what it cost to acquire but I enjoyed my pour. Do I need to have it again, no, but I wouldn't turn it away in the future.

Serving type: bottle

08-22-2012 15:09:41 | More by claspada

VaTechPhilly

Pennsylvania

4.75/5  rDev +13.1%

07-30-2012 00:36:17 | More by VaTechPhilly

inlimbo77

Delaware

4.23/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

750ml bottle. 2011 version. Enjoyed back in Oct. at the West Chester Restaurant, and video reviewed. Served in a Iron Hill tasting chalice glass, about 12oz.

A: Poured out basically pitch black, aside from some reddish hues around the edges. It's thick, but not the thickest brew I have seen. I got about a quarter finger of light tan head initially that faded pretty quickly. It left some nice lacing sheeting and bits. I got some alcohol feet as well.

S: Lots of coffee and chocolate. Roasted malts. Bittersweet dark chocolate for sure. Maybe a touch of dark fruitiness behind it all. Primarily the chocolate and roasted coffee.

T: Right up front you get that dark chocolate and coffee bitterness that you took from the nose. In the middle of the mouth you are getting a lot of that roasted malt character, coupling with the chocolate. Coats the mouth nicely. It's bitter but not overly bitter.

M: Full mouthfeel. Not overly chewy and viscous.

Serving type: bottle

06-26-2012 19:21:28 | More by inlimbo77

kawilliams81

Illinois

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

Poured from a 750 ml bottle into a Surly Darkness snifter.

A- pours black with a 1 finger tan head. Small bubbles cling to the glass.

S- big dark chocolate and roast aromas.

T- roast, dark chocolate, bitter coffee, and some slight sour dark fruits at the finish.

M- medium body and carbonation. Slightly dry and chalky.

O- good RIS. Has nice chocolate and roast notes.

Serving type: bottle

06-26-2012 01:30:18 | More by kawilliams81

Ultraman9000

California

4.23/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

750 ml corked and caged bottle (Wilmington, DE), from late 2010/early 2011 trade, poured into my Great Divide snifter. Bottle notes: 2003 GABF Gold Medal, 2006 World Beer Cup Bronze; 1.095 OG; 75 IBU.

A: Gentle pour yields a thin layer of cream-colored head, which quickly dissipates to leave a ring of bubbles and nice lacing around the edge. Very dark in my snifter, with slight brown highlights appearing when held close to a light.

S: Slightly toasty. Caramel, brown sugar, possibly blackstrap molasses. I also get a hint of dark fruits, for a subdued but pleasant aroma overall.

T: Initial flavors of sweet dark chocolate and vanilla/caramel are followed by the dark and toasty notes evidenced in the nose. Makes me think of tree bark, in a good way (perhaps the roast is tricking my senses). As it warms, a bit of biscuit and coffee emerge as well.

M: Light and prickly carbonation, with medium+ body. The small bubbles dissipate quickly on my tongue, leaving a slight bitterness that hints at the hops that were undoubtedly once more present than they are now.

O: A well-balanced, dark 'n roasty RIS that incorporates sweet malty notes without becoming cloying. Excellent mouthfeel and flavor balance makes it especially drinkable for almost 10%, and I had no problem finishing off the bottle by myself.

Serving type: bottle

Serving type: bottle

06-21-2012 11:28:33 | More by Ultraman9000

Rochefort10nh

New Hampshire

4/5  rDev -4.8%

06-17-2012 13:16:37 | More by Rochefort10nh

GuisseppeFranco

New York

4/5  rDev -4.8%

06-03-2012 16:41:42 | More by GuisseppeFranco

whartontallboy

New York

3/5  rDev -28.6%

05-26-2012 21:46:32 | More by whartontallboy

Ryanc23

3.75/5  rDev -10.7%

04-17-2012 14:51:01 | More by Ryanc23