Big Bear Black Stout - Bear Republic Brewing Co.

davidchollar

Washington

4.63/5  rDev +11.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Another great purchase from Tanakaya in Tokyo. Big Bear pours into the pint glass black indeed. Very similar in appearance to the few others I've had of this style, (almost impossible to find in Japan). However, the big tan head seems to have even better retention than others. An easy perfect 5.

The caramel sweetness is definitely the prominent smell, with a subtle but delicious roasted maltiness ever present. After warming up, the almost Belgian-like dark fruitiness comes out, and I detect a hint of something I don't think I've ever noticed in a beer before ... watermelon?! The coffee roastiness is there, but less so than in most stouts. A very interesting, complex nose that opens up well given some time.

Just like the smell, the taste is definitely that of a world class stout, but a unique one that is fruitier than it is coffee-like. I taste several different styles at once - impressions of stout, porter, barleywine and BSDA. Like the abv, the taste is good and strong but not knock-you-silly super strength. Very well balanced, just strong/sweet/bitter enough to leave an impression but not overpower.

Same goes for the mf, very good. All this combines to bring the drinkability up to a perfect 5. This is perhaps a more approachable RIS than some, I'll definitely enjoy this again!

Serving type: bottle

05-18-2008 11:16:37 | More by davidchollar

vbiliyar

Massachusetts

4.25/5  rDev +2.2%

06-17-2013 14:09:38 | More by vbiliyar

georgiaboy8686

Maryland

3.75/5  rDev -9.9%

06-16-2013 11:54:41 | More by georgiaboy8686

JandJMD

Maryland

4/5  rDev -3.8%

06-15-2013 23:49:11 | More by JandJMD

Noelito76

New York

4/5  rDev -3.8%

06-15-2013 13:06:55 | More by Noelito76

doremite

Massachusetts

3.75/5  rDev -9.9%

06-13-2013 22:43:13 | More by doremite

prock180

Arizona

4.25/5  rDev +2.2%

06-13-2013 21:50:13 | More by prock180

jayhunter357

Massachusetts

4.25/5  rDev +2.2%

06-13-2013 00:21:35 | More by jayhunter357

In_Control_Mike

Massachusetts

4.25/5  rDev +2.2%

06-13-2013 00:18:20 | More by In_Control_Mike

Crafty99

Massachusetts

4.54/5  rDev +9.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Overall, a great stout. Pours a clear dark brown with minimal head. Taste and smell is a good balance of malt, molasses, and a little bitterness. Perfect carbonation and viscosity. Paid 5.99 for a 22 oz bottle. Will definitely seek this one out again.

Serving type: bottle

06-12-2013 22:01:43 | More by Crafty99

JMUbrewz

Virginia

3.75/5  rDev -9.9%

06-12-2013 19:22:03 | More by JMUbrewz

jd18

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -3.8%

06-12-2013 01:02:02 | More by jd18

hooliganlife

Missouri

3.91/5  rDev -6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

this is 3-4 years old, not sure on the date.

poured chocolate brown with a hint or cola. light creamy head.

sweet, candy, light roasted malt with espresso.

similar to the nose, a nice amount of sweet citrus hops still holding strong. the roasted malt was complimented with the sweetness and light coffee flavors.

mild to moderate carbonation, smooth body.

god damn this aged like a champ, on accident.

would drink again

Serving type: bottle

06-12-2013 00:25:54 | More by hooliganlife

shehateme

Massachusetts

4.25/5  rDev +2.2%

06-11-2013 22:00:52 | More by shehateme

goblin7704

Ohio

3.75/5  rDev -9.9%

06-11-2013 16:23:44 | More by goblin7704

Luweezy

Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev +8.2%

06-11-2013 02:14:16 | More by Luweezy

Ralphs66

New York

4/5  rDev -3.8%

06-09-2013 21:00:44 | More by Ralphs66

rydev24

Pennsylvania

4.25/5  rDev +2.2%

06-09-2013 03:43:43 | More by rydev24

Hallertau

Wisconsin

3.75/5  rDev -9.9%

06-09-2013 03:28:11 | More by Hallertau

buzzy

Pennsylvania

4.25/5  rDev +2.2%

06-08-2013 20:10:36 | More by buzzy

bdonbdonbdon

California

4.7/5  rDev +13%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.75

I've always been a huge fan of Bear Republic. This stout did not disappoint me at all. I wish there were more Stout's of this caliber coming out of San Diego and SoCal in general. Racer 5 is my all time favorite beer by Bear Republic; however, this is a very close second!!

Serving type: bottle

06-08-2013 02:42:41 | More by bdonbdonbdon

sweemzander

Illinois

3.98/5  rDev -4.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

22oz. bottle poured into a snifter.

(A)- Pours pitch black in color. Some good tan forth formed.

(S)- A mellow roasted character meets a mountain of raisin and subtle coffee grounds.

(T)- Kind of dry, but a good coffee roastedness combined with plenty of raisin sweetness.

(M)- A good carbonation level and balance. Pretty classic stout flavors with a mild bitterness.

(O)- It really is a classic RIS for sure. Nicely balanced and smooth.

Serving type: bottle

06-04-2013 19:35:36 | More by sweemzander

Paccamacca

California

4/5  rDev -3.8%

06-03-2013 05:24:03 | More by Paccamacca

Geno206

Washington

4/5  rDev -3.8%

05-31-2013 06:01:28 | More by Geno206

bcm75

Illinois

3.75/5  rDev -9.9%

05-30-2013 02:29:39 | More by bcm75