Imperial Russian Stout - Wellington County Brewery

cratez

Ontario (Canada)

4.05/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On tap at the Alex P. Keaton.

Appearance: jet black body, fluffy tan head. Top of the beer adopts a nice, black/beige marbled look once the head subsides. Lacing resembles sticky brown sugar.

Smell: toasted nuts and dried fruit aromas.

Taste: roasted malts, almonds, brown sugar sweetness, coffee, and dark chocolate. Charred, bitter aftertaste is pleasant and well-balanced.

Mouthfeel: by far the cleanest, smoothest stout I've tried so far. Thick, rich, and satisfying palate. This goes down like water even though it's 8% ABV.

Drinkability: I love this stout. The nutty smells perfectly compliment the ridiculously smooth and dark malty taste. This is the third outstanding beer I've tried from Wellington and I'll be seeking out more from them.

EDIT: tried this out of the can and it is not the same beer. Much thinner, less roast and bitterness, more fruit. The rating now reflects a combination of my tap and can scores.

Serving type: on-tap

11-28-2008 03:24:37 | More by cratez

jmkoscie

Ontario (Canada)

3.5/5  rDev -10.9%

05-28-2013 21:04:20 | More by jmkoscie

Cramshawbar

Ontario (Canada)

3.5/5  rDev -10.9%

05-17-2013 01:14:18 | More by Cramshawbar

jimctin

Ontario (Canada)

3.75/5  rDev -4.6%

05-15-2013 17:55:23 | More by jimctin

Xzfgiimtsath

Texas

4.25/5  rDev +8.1%

05-14-2013 19:45:34 | More by Xzfgiimtsath

nullbort

Ontario (Canada)

4.5/5  rDev +14.5%

05-04-2013 12:53:51 | More by nullbort

FondueVoodoo

British Columbia (Canada)

4.03/5  rDev +2.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Tip of the hat to cattersley for the trade, much appreciated.

A: A solid black brown brew capped with a pale oak microfilm that only sticks around long enough to suggest it's a beer briefly, some minimal foam holds onto the glass.

S: Scents of chocolate and espresso, some earthiness, suggestive of wet moss and woods. Finishing with some toasty molasses. Overall the scent is subtle and smooth emphasizing the rich base notes of chocolate, espresso & earthiness.

T: Sweet molasses and smoooth coffee followed with deeply toasted malts. A herbal note in the mid palette of licorice root and mild coffee-esque bitters. Mild alcohol at the end that reminds you of the 8% without overwhelming the brew.

M: Medium bodied, a tiny bit on the light side for a RIS, but doesn't take away from the overall enjoyment. Just a bare minimum of carbonation followed with a warming alcohol heat at the end that compliments the chocolate & coffee notes.

O: A good choice in a RIS to pair with rich food, red meats, stews and roasted chicken. The flavour and notes are not overly sweet, but rich and earthy matching well with rich foods. Like a great wine at the dinner table it compliments the food while still being enjoyable on it's own.

Serving type: can

04-16-2013 02:38:37 | More by FondueVoodoo

mintjellie

Ontario (Canada)

3.58/5  rDev -8.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3.25

Very dark brown (almost black) body. Thick tan head, poor retention, no lace. Mild roasted aroma with notes of coffee, burnt sugar, dried fruit, and a hint of chocolate. Bittersweet with black coffee, raw sugar, char, and light chocolate. Moderately bitter finish. Medium-bodied with low carbonation. Feels smooth, but slightly thin. Warming alcohol, while not completely off-putting, could be slightly better hidden. A decent Imperial stout that would benefit from a chewier mouthfeel.

Serving type: bottle

02-18-2013 21:44:05 | More by mintjellie

KrisDLSmith

Ontario (Canada)

3.75/5  rDev -4.6%

02-18-2013 03:56:52 | More by KrisDLSmith

DaPan

Ontario (Canada)

3.75/5  rDev -4.6%

02-14-2013 12:23:14 | More by DaPan

Kremlock

Ontario (Canada)

4.13/5  rDev +5.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

A: Deep dark black colour with hues of dark ruby red in the bottom of the glass. Brownish head that pours 1 inch thick then falls to about 1/16 inch. Lacing is medium.

S: Coffee and chocolate dominate the aroma. Plum in the background with some noticeable sweetness. Hop aroma is med-low.

T: Raisins and plum come threw right at the beginning. Roastiness is well balanced with some fruity esters present. A nice dark coffee flavour comes threw. Alcohol is present but is not harsh or distracting.

M: Carbonation is low-medium. Full body and smooth.

O: A very good RIS. IMO I would enjoy a bit more hop bitterness but overall this is a great bee.

Serving type: can

01-18-2013 03:03:59 | More by Kremlock

ThinkAgain

Ontario (Canada)

4.75/5  rDev +20.9%

11-14-2012 12:31:49 | More by ThinkAgain

spinrsx

Ontario (Canada)

3.7/5  rDev -5.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

473ml can from the Ottawa LCBO for 3$ - been wanting to try this for a while

Appearance - Black/Brown colour with an average size fizzy brown head. I can't make out the amount of carbonation showing and there isn't much lacing. The head lasted for only 2 minutes before it was gone.

Smell - Malts, chocolate, light smoke, nuts

Taste & Mouth - There is an average amount of carbonation and I can taste malts, chocolate, and some roasted/toasted nuts. There is also a bit of a smokiness and a bitter coffee flavour and a hint of vanila. It ends with a chocolatey sweet aftertaste with a bit of lingering bitterness.

Overall - I expected a bit more based on reviews, but it's still an above average brew. It needs a bit more sweetness and it comes across as a tad watery for a RIS. There is also something odd with the smell that I can't put my finger on.. something plasticy/chalky.

Serving type: can

10-26-2012 23:46:58 | More by spinrsx

thehyperduck

Ontario (Canada)

3.95/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4.5

473 mL can from the LCBO; best before May 28 2013. I've heard from various sources over the years that this RIS is one of Wellington's best brews, and have always wanted to try it - so I was particularly pleased to see these cans appear on shelves in Sarnia. As far as I know, there aren't any other imperial stouts available locally, at least on this side of the border. Served in a pint glass, only slightly chilled.

Pours an opaque black colour, with some deep chestnut tinges under a light. Seated atop is a modest, single finger of foamy, tan-coloured head that is mostly gone before a minute's time has passed. The aroma is pleasant, comprised of a blend of roasted malts, coffee, dark chocolate, molasses and herbal hops. Starts off with a good blend of sweetness and earthiness, but leans a little too heavy on the sweet as it warms.

I've been a little nitpicky so far, but I feel no need to keep it up when it comes to analyzing the flavour - this is a tasty stout, with lots of big, roasted malt flavours. Chocolate sweetness, weak coffee and some herbal, licorice-like notes are the main features, with an earthy, herbal finish. The abv/heat is mildly apparent, and works perfectly with the flavour profile. Medium-bodied, bordering on watery - too thin for my tastes, although this does contribute to its high drinkability. The carbonation gives a good bite, but in general the beer seems to improve as this facet weakens in intensity (while the beer settles and warms).

Quite good, but I have a feeling this is something I'd need to have from a tap or cask to truly appreciate. Very tasty and easy to drink, and pretty good value at its price point, but a little too thin for me to believe this is a truly great example of its style. It won't be a regular purchase for me, but I'd certainly consider it once in a while.

Final Grade: 3.95, a solid, respectable B+. Wellington's Russian Imperial Stout is easily one of their best brews, right up there with Iron Duke and maybe a few others. This is a style I am rarely able to sample from due to a dearth of locally available examples. While I still think this particular stout is very good as far as big, drinkable dark beers go... when I think of an 'RIS' I just think of something with more body. Everything has its own unique flaws, I suppose - but for what it's worth, this is definitely worth a try as a particularly quaffable, fairly tasty, heavier stout with increasingly wide distribution.

Serving type: can

10-11-2012 19:19:55 | More by thehyperduck

bigox420

Ontario (Canada)

3.75/5  rDev -4.6%

10-07-2012 00:53:55 | More by bigox420

RedAleMan

Ontario (Canada)

4/5  rDev +1.8%

10-07-2012 00:43:11 | More by RedAleMan

EgadBananas

Louisiana

4.05/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Thanks to cattersley for the can!

Pours black, with a medium tan finger of head. Low retention and no lacing. The aroma is roasted malts, chocolate sweetness and a touch of coffee. Not a bold aroma, but good. The taste is quite nice! Chocolate, big roasted notes, some coffee and a hint of bitterness. The feel is definitely creamy, though a bit thinner than most RIS's. Solid medium/upper medium body with moderate carbonation.

A good, well made RIS. Not too filling and not the most robust, but very well drinkable!

Serving type: can

09-22-2012 01:41:30 | More by EgadBananas

LampertLand

British Columbia (Canada)

4/5  rDev +1.8%

09-12-2012 06:32:13 | More by LampertLand

tbeckett

Ontario (Canada)

4/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Cask pint at Brothers Beer Bistro. From notes.

A - Poured black with really loose brown head that was gone fast. Seemed typical of a cask pour. No lace, no retention.

S - Really balanced between coffee and chocolate. Some tobacco and really roasty. Very pleasant.

T - Roast, coffee, chocolate, milk chocolate, iced coffee. Complex and tasty.

M - No carbonation, medium to full body, gentle bitterness. Way too smooth.

O/D - A nice RIS. I'd like to try it canned to see what the carbonation levels would be like and how the flavours would change. This was nice and complex while being smooth as well. A nice one.

Serving type: cask

09-11-2012 18:21:23 | More by tbeckett

Jeffo

Netherlands

3.65/5  rDev -7.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Got a few of these in trades last summer. Thanks for the cans guys!

From a 16oz can into a snifter.
Canned in 2011

Note: Pitted this one against Grand River's Russian Gun Imperial Stout in an All-Ontario stout showdown!

APPEARANCE: Clear black pour yields a one finger, looser looking, tan head with decent retention. Black body with higher levels of carbonation evident. Head fades to a good, full wisp, though only splotches remain leaving some dots of lacing down the glass. Didn't start out that well, but finishes strong.

SMELL: Mild nose with some roasted malts, licorice and cocoa powder. Touches of caramel too. A little too mild to be memorable.

TASTE: Roasted malts and some caramel sweetness up front, then some licorice notes and dark chocolate at the swallow. Decent lingering aftertaste of roasted malts, dark chocolate and sweet molasses. Pretty nice after the swallow, and more impressive than the nose had led on.

PALATE: Medium body and medium carbonation. A touch watery perhaps, but still creamy enough. Goes down fine and finishes slightly mouth-coating.

OVERALL: This was pretty good, as the flavor after the swallow saved it from being mediocre. Though it is nothing to write home about, I would gladly drink it again, and especially fresh on-tap. This one actually kicked the Grand River brew around the playground. Give this one a go if you find it. Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

08-27-2012 20:19:08 | More by Jeffo

Digimaika2

Ontario (Canada)

3.83/5  rDev -2.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

(3.5) A: Black with a tall mocha coloured bubbly head that recedes to a glass ring with minimal lacing down the glass.

(3.5) S: Molasses, caramel, anise, dark chocolate, and mellow citrus qualities in the background. Quite smooth and rich, and appealing, albeit somewhat subdued.

(4.0) T: Flashes of smoke and tart probing citrus gives way to a caramel malt backbone. Fairly light and refreshing for an imperial stout with an emphasis on the hoppy side of things. Hints of dark fruits (cherries and dates) coupled with hints of dark chocolate compliment the initial rush of flavour. The finish reminds me of a chocolate covered blueberry of sorts. Pretty tasty.

(3.5) M: Medium bodied with a moderate carbonation. Prickly citrus on the tongue with a lingering bitter and dry mouthfeel.

(3.5) D: Really enjoyed the lighter bodied take on this style and find it quite refreshing, especially with the hoppier elements highlighted. Very easy drinking and worthy of any recommendations.

Serving type: can

08-27-2012 00:55:06 | More by Digimaika2

papat444

Quebec (Canada)

3.55/5  rDev -9.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Thanks to grub for this one.

Poured from a 473ml. can (code A2012 on it so i presume this was canned Jan. 2012).

Appearance: Brown-black body, thick and oily, with about 2 fingers of creamy foam. Not much legs on it but does coat the glass when swirled.

Smell: Cocoa powder, chunks of chocolate. milky chocolate, mild coffee but aroma dominated by various chocolates.

Taste: Decadent chocolate chunks mixed with good bitter coffee and roasted overtones.

Mouthfeel: Weak point. Carbonation a bit higher than expected and the body is fairly average, barely reaching medium strength.

Overall: A decent stout but not one that i would drive out to the brewery for. There are better stouts that are more easily attainable.

Serving type: can

05-29-2012 11:37:12 | More by papat444

mulder1010

Australia

4.15/5  rDev +5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

473 ML poured into a tulip
Thanks to Dgilks for the can? Yes, a can.

A-- Poured a dark cola color and settled jet black. No light penetrating this at all. One finger dark brown leather head that slowly faded to a nice, thick collar and a thin layer of film. Some large bubbles here and there. Nice head retention on swirling. Half finger of head. Spotty lacing.

S-- Roast and quite earthy. Dark chocolate, dark roast, some coffee and a bit of tobacco. Quite nice.

T-- Smooth, quite smooth. Chocolate, coffee, tobacco, roast, and a bit of earthy hop bite. I like.

M-- Smooth body. Bits of coffee bite here and there. Roast and chocolate dominate the body with bits of prickly carbonation. Otherwise medium body and lighter medium feel. Dry chocolate, coffee, and bitter finish. Bitterness picks up a lot once warm.

O-- Nothing crazy about this. Very simple and straightforward but done very well. Roast carries the beer very well and the ABV is well hidden. Feels and tastes like 6%, not 8%. Very old school RIS but that is a very good thing when done this well.

Serving type: can

05-09-2012 14:52:01 | More by mulder1010

MattPS

Ontario (Canada)

4.25/5  rDev +8.1%

03-03-2012 23:20:54 | More by MattPS

80b

Ontario (Canada)

4.5/5  rDev +14.5%

12-31-2011 22:57:48 | More by 80b