Big Eddy Russian Imperial Stout - Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company

ThisWangsChung

Maryland

3.26/5  rDev -14.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3

12 oz bottle into a Duvel tulip.

A: Pours a damn near pitch black color overall. The head is a three finger khaki shade featuring fantastic retention for both the style and gravity. Even better, the creamy texture leaves gorgeous rings of lacing down the side of the glass. One of the better looking imperial stouts I've encountered.

S: This stout in particular takes the route of being VERY licorice-forward. After it warms up a bit, it develops chocolate, molasses, and subtle cherry tones. Sweet in general; while not to my personal preference, the aroma is quite well done.

T: Again with the licorice. It tries to develop the aforementioned chocolate/dark fruit tones after a big opening salvo of licorice, but is still supplanted by licorice. The finish is a bit fruity and (pleasantly) boozy, with additional notes of toffee and marzipan. Roasted qualities are really subtle here. Generally, this one lacks depth, and the dominant quality isn't to my liking.

M: I like the softness here; but it isn't quite thick or dense enough for me. What surprises me here is how the softness gives way to a dry finish, almost as if it were designed more for drinkability than savorability. There are some *faint* wine-like qualities (it's vaguely tart, and I swear it seems a bit on the tannic side) in both the flavor and palate feel that I kind of dig.

O: I'll give it some credit here, it's reasonably well brewed and an excellent effort from Leinenkugel's. I just don't really care for beers that make me reminisce about chewing on a big ol' stick of Twizzlers (or even worse, black licorice jelly beans...shudder...) Luckily, this isn't some black-licorice-jelly-beans jabroni in the RIS world, just a lower midcarder in the vein of Koko B. Ware. Put him in a match with Ted DiBiase (Old Rasputin) or the Macho Man Randy Savage (Founders IS) and he's just going to eat a pinfall in 3 minutes - similar to this offering.

Serving type: bottle

03-14-2013 20:42:42 | More by ThisWangsChung

JamesMN

Minnesota

3.83/5  rDev 0%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Appearance: Opaque black body with a frothy light brown head.

Aroma: Rich dark malts and a touch of molasses laced with alcohol. Just a hint of dark fruits as well giving the aroma a subtle complexity.

Taste: Starts with a bright hop profile that's slightly grassy and lightly bitter. The brightness turns dark after that when dark syrupy malt flavor engulfs the palate. Flavors of black coffee, roasted malt, anise, and a touch of vanilla. The bitterness is moderate.

Mouthfeel: Full in body and robust. Average drinkability.

Final Thoughts: A decent RIS from a brewery that doesn't produce much drinkable beer. Would I drink it again? Sure, I'll be checking out other beers in the Big Eddy series.

Serving type: bottle

03-13-2013 01:18:37 | More by JamesMN

gmfessen

Michigan

4.66/5  rDev +21.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from the bottle into a pint glass, Big Eddy RIS appears black but upon further inspection is actually a very deep brown; the head is thin, creamy-looking and mocha in color. Nose is definitely that of a big beer! Fumes of alcohol, dark fruits like figs and dates, molasses and brown sugar, licorice; it's all in there. Flavor reflects the same complex, fruity-molasses alcohol whif of the nose. Alcohol is well covered but also mouth numbing. Mouthfeel is full bodied and chewy with a minimal yet creamy carbonation. Overall, I would say Leine's did good with this one! I'm always a fan of their beers but doing a big beer like this is a different game from the norm - great job Leine's!

Serving type: bottle

03-06-2013 00:17:13 | More by gmfessen

BeerNinja007

New Hampshire

3.44/5  rDev -10.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Purchased a 12oz single for $3 at The Beer Store in Nashua, NH. I'm pretty skeptical because I've never been a fan of Leinenkugel's, they just seem like mainstream wanna-be craft beer. But curiosity got the better of me so here it is. Code "32513 B21010805" stamped on the bottle, whatever that means. At least it's in nice bright yellow lettering, unlike many others that are barely legible even under the best of light. The neckband claims 2012 vintage. Served cold in a tulip.

A: I rarely use this comparison, but this stuff truly pours like the thickest, blackest, used engine oil. Usually I can pick out some sort of highlights when putting a brew up to a bright light, but this brew gives NOTHING, not even a faint glimmer around the edges. A moderate pour gave a thick 1/2" of light brown head that settled rather quickly. Only a thin meniscus remains along the edge with some very thin whispy stuff in the middle.

S: Black malt, carmelized sugars, and a distinctive burnt molasses note that gives it an acerbic edge. Some raw grainy stuff (could be oatmeal) lingers underneath. Black licorice and vapors of rubbing alcohol... yes, more like isopropanol rather than ethanol.

T: Burnt toast drizzled with simple sugar. Yep, that about sums it up. Some vanilla undertones peek out from the burnt black malt finish. Brew is hot, alcohol fairly apparent on my breath, peppery solvent rules the finish.

M: Thick and heavy, they definitely invested in a lot of malt to make this one. The viscosity isn't overpowering but it's definitely there, but only does a fair job of covering up the alcohol. Carbo is soft, as you would expect with this kind of body.

O: Maybe some age will even things out, but as is it's a bit rough. Kinda odd how it can be so thick but still so solventy. Not quite as bad as I feared it could be, but that's only because I had pretty low expectations. The only reason I'd get this again would be for the academic exercise of putting one away for a few years to see if it evened out, but I can't really see myself bothering. They picked a tough category to compete in and there are PLENTY of better offerings out there.

Serving type: bottle

03-03-2013 04:39:54 | More by BeerNinja007

Brad007

Vermont

4.55/5  rDev +18.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

I'd read about Big Eddy in ads but never saw it til now.

Pours a pitch black with a thin brown seal into my glass. When it comes to this style, the darker, the better.

Licorice, toffee, tobacco and roasted coffee with a touch of cocoa in the nose. Seems to support the claim on the label.

Flavor is equally complex with licorice, toffee and roasted coffee. Very little of anything else unless you count the alcohol itself. It's a bit "warm" but should age nicely.

Lingering toffee and tobacco notes finish off this RIS.

It is distinctive and goes beyond the "coffee & cream" bombs that pass for RIS. Should age marvelously.

Serving type: bottle

02-27-2013 08:24:44 | More by Brad007

MickeyBeer

Illinois

3.75/5  rDev -2.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

Had this beer on tap at the Firkin served in a 4 oz sampler glass

A- Really great looking beer. Poured a totally black, opaque color, with a tan head that left some really nice lacing.

S- Smell is sweet and chocolaty with coffee aromas as well. Smell not as awesome as the appearance.

T- Taste has a variety of sweet flavors that has just enough hop balance to go along with it to keep it from being too sweet. Some nice chocolate, toffee, and coffee flavors.

M- Full bodied beer that has a nice feel to it. Smooth and easy drinking.

O- A good imperial stout. When I first had it I did not know it was by Leinenkugels. Was surprised at how tasty this beer really was.

Serving type: on-tap

02-27-2013 02:04:28 | More by MickeyBeer

Braz

Washington

3.81/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Bought from Tacoma Boys. Pours a dark rich brown with a tan head. Smells of malt, maple, chocolate and a slight dose of roasted coffee. Tastes are woody and roasted. Pretty comparable to the aromatic notes. Lightly sweet. Alot more carbonation than I have experienced with this style. Enjoyable but not the best I've had of the Imperial Stouts.

Serving type: bottle

02-26-2013 23:45:39 | More by Braz

craft_shannie

Indiana

3.51/5  rDev -8.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5

A: pours thick and syrupy. black, opaque, w. 2 finger dark beige head; beautiful lacing (the whole imperial pint glass worth).
S: chicory; acrid burnt malt; sweet dark fruit; molasses.
T: starts off w. a sweet malt that immediately turns on to full-on bitter chocolate/roasted coffee explosion; subtle smoke.
M: medium body; dry and acrid bitter; smooth - but not creamy.
O: i first tried Big Eddy at a hotsy-totsy tasting event & it was my favorite of the Miller/Coors offerings (yeah, big compliment). It does stand out as a BMC offering but lacks a bit of refinement to really be big-league chew. It's complex in a way that my BBQ sauce can be if I've had too many beers while cooking in the kitchen.

Serving type: bottle

02-21-2013 02:46:29 | More by craft_shannie

scot_chale

Minnesota

4.5/5  rDev +17.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A- big fat black body, syrupy and thick looking during the pour, and a paper thin tan head that all but disappears.

S- chocolate, espresso malt. you have to get fairly close to it to get that out. dark bing cheeries are hiding in there too.

T- that is imperial. it's big. it's full bodied. it's bitter. it's coffee. i like. it's a goddamn attention grabber and i approve. that same dark cherry or blackberry fruit hint is there, but it's so subtle you have to take a second or third taste to notice it.

M- slick and oily with a slight snap of carbonation, but it's very mild. it's just what i'm looking for in this style at this level of my education.

O- I'm giving this a 4.5 overall because I don't know that much about russian imperial stouts. I didn't expect as much out of this beer given that leinie's made it. But, wow. I don't care who made it, this is great. If Big Eddy is the series to help keep their reputation in check, i'm on board. I would buy a 4 pack of this and share it with my homebrewing friends. I intend on trying the other Big Eddy offerings as soon as possible.

Serving type: bottle

02-15-2013 04:00:54 | More by scot_chale

GSX1250FA

2.26/5  rDev -41%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 1.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 1.75

Really did not like the taste of this beer. Hard to pin down exactly but it has a malty taste that is really objectionable, sort of like a cross between rubber and tobacco. Aging may improve it a little, but I still think it would be pretty bad even after 3 years.

Serving type: bottle

02-10-2013 17:01:37 | More by GSX1250FA

JethroAdam

Oregon

4.08/5  rDev +6.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

I don't rate a lot, but I don't feel like this is getting the respect it deserves. Just had a year old bottle, and it's better than most imperial stouts, which is saying a lot for such a large brewery. There is nothing to be disappointed in here; so I don't get the lame reviews. I haven't seen any really bad descriptors. Looks at the bro's review, the words don't match the score on most anyone's.

That being said this beer is a deep blackish brown with no light passing through, thin persistent tan head. Aromas of burnt caramel, chocolate and molasses. The flavor is a complex mix of dark sugars balanced by heavy roast, the faintest fruitiness and balancing hop bitterness. The mouth feel is very full, with a sight slick finish.

Very enjoyable.

Serving type: bottle

02-09-2013 02:11:27 | More by JethroAdam

Jwale73

Rhode Island

3.53/5  rDev -7.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

12oz. bottle served in a tulip. 2012 vintage. Pours one shade shy of black with a loose, quarter-inch, khaki-colored head. Head eventually disperses into a thin, tight band around the shoulders. Strands of lacing are revealed during the tasting. Nose is a bit dull - artificial sweetener, suggestions of lactose, dark malt and a slightly vinous quality. Taste reveals more malt and roast, as well as brown sugar and treacle; however, the artificial sweetener present in the nose drops away. Additionally, the vinous quality present in the nose is also present in the flavor profile. Moutfeel is medium in body with a pleasant, even carbonation, a light oily texture and some acidity. Overall, not a bad RIS, but it doesn't really come together fully for me.

Serving type: bottle

02-07-2013 01:25:50 | More by Jwale73

Contra

New York

3.98/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Strong espresso & dark chocolate flavor. A lot of the bitterness that comes along with those flavors are present, but it compliments the beer well. The beer reflects a nice ruby color along with the darkness that comes with a Russian Imperial Stout. Only complaint is that the alcohol isn't masked too well, which, in this case, effects the mouthfeel more than the taste. Overall, excellent, although certainly not perfect. Recommended!

Serving type: bottle

02-01-2013 12:01:34 | More by Contra

PicoPapa

Connecticut

3.5/5  rDev -8.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

12oz bottle. 2012 Vintage. Pours a black color with a thin ring of light brown head. Minimal lacing. Aroma is sweet with some chocolate, earth, roasted malts and hints of vanilla. The flavor is sweet chocolate, dark fruits and malts with a bitter dark chocolate finish. Earthy with a bit of an artificial sweetener taste. Nice alcohol presence. Mouthfeel is thin. Overall, not too bad and not too good. Might be tempted to buy it again.

Serving type: bottle

01-28-2013 02:11:46 | More by PicoPapa

CloudStrife

New York

3.53/5  rDev -7.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

12oz bottle poured into a snifter. 2012 on the label.

A: Pours a dark brown black with a 1.5 finger khaki head that takes a few minutes to dissipate. Leaves some nice lacing on the sides of the glass.

S: Sort of an off malt aroma, dark fruits with a bit of spicy or sourness.

T: Strong with dark fruits and a big molasses taste.

M: Thick bodied with sort of a sticky mouthfeel. Low carbonation.

Overall unhappy with this brew, did not realize the brewery upon purchase. Overly sweet and fake.

Serving type: bottle

01-27-2013 23:22:06 | More by CloudStrife

Flounder57

Massachusetts

3.83/5  rDev 0%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

12 oz glass was poured into a nonic glass.

Appearance: This beer poured a one finger head that reduced and left some nice lacing on the glass. It is a pitch black color with no clarity or bubbles coming up the glass.

Smell: roster coffee, chocolate, boozy alcohol, burnt molasses, some vanilla, and sweetness.

Taste: Same as above with some lingering bitterness, bready notes, and dark fruits

Mouthfeel: smooth, full bodied, warm boozy alcohol, medium carbonation, and a little chewy.

Overall: Pretty solid RIS here folks. I will have to look for more of this in the future.

Serving type: bottle

01-27-2013 04:22:26 | More by Flounder57

GarthDanielson

New Hampshire

3.25/5  rDev -15.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.25

Poured from a bottle into a snifter, the beer is a dark, slick, brown-to-black coloring with a thin, filmy ring of brown bubbling around the surface. Aromas of molasses, vanilla, a touch of earthiness, and an overbearing sugary sweetness. Flavors are muddled on a rich, creamy body. Fruity sweet overtones, with hints of banana blending along the dark molasses and earthy tones. Some bitter coffee and hints of booze create a slightly limp backbone. The body is great, but unfortunately the flavors don't match up to it. Slightly bitter, boozey finish, but not overpowering or cloying.

Serving type: bottle

01-25-2013 02:08:46 | More by GarthDanielson

gabedivision

New York

3.65/5  rDev -4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

poured from a 12 ounce bottle to a SA Impreial Snifter glass

A- black as night, 1/2 finger dark beige head

S- Light sugary chocolate, much like tootsie roll, milk chocolate, hints of vanilla faint grassy hop bittering

T- Bitter chocolate, chocolate syrup, lots of sugar, brown sugar, buttery, slight wet carboard, alcohol shines through every aspect of the sip.

M- Full bodied, smooth, creamy, finishes bitter.

O- Not the best RIS ive ever had, though, not the worst. Flavors just seem a tad off in some sips. All in all i wouldnt kick it out of bed

Serving type: bottle

01-21-2013 03:41:39 | More by gabedivision

Flightoficarus

Washington

3.28/5  rDev -14.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A - Pours a thick black, with a slight, sepia head. Retention is short-lived. Lacing is thin.

S - Smell is heavily of rich caramel and roasted coffee.

T - Taste is of thick, creamy malts. Lots of sweet caramel notes, with some submissive roasted coffee and chocolate flavors making their way in for some balance. Leaves a slight, lingering bitterness. Alcohol is present, but concealed enough.

M - Full bodied, and light carbonation, with a thick, creamy feel overall.

O - Overall, The heavy emphasis on the caramel sweetness without a lot else going on makes it a bit too one-dimensional for me. Not a bad beer, just not my favorite example of a RIS.

Serving type: bottle

01-15-2013 10:17:42 | More by Flightoficarus

kangarooAdam59

Maine

3.58/5  rDev -6.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3.25

Into my nonic:

A: dark brown colored body yielding a tan two finger foamy head with some spider web lacing around the sides of the glass

S: nice combination of chocolate, coffee, and malts. Some dark fruits enter in as the beer warms.

T: sweet yet brings in a decent bitterness as the beer warms

M: light to medium and is borderline watery. ABV, what ABV, this is supposed to be 9.5, yeah, I don't feel it. This is too drinkable for a RIS, almost as if the alcohol is way too well hidden.

O: well, everything smells and tastes good. Its got the normal appearance of an RIS, but lacks the thickness I look for a RIS.

Serving type: bottle

01-14-2013 01:53:36 | More by kangarooAdam59

riversider76

New York

4.1/5  rDev +7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours dark brown with a thin tan head. Excellent retention, and a decent lace. Aroma is of Alchol, cherry, molasses and chocolate. Body is thick with little carbonation. Taste is of sweet cherry, roasted coffee comes through as well. Very complex. Not a typical Russian Imperial Stout, but great tasting. Highly recommend a try.

Serving type: bottle

01-12-2013 23:45:24 | More by riversider76

Rin

Ohio

3.49/5  rDev -8.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5

I received this bottle to sample from my local distributor since I've yet to cave and carry any of Leinenkugel's "craft" series in my shop. I will say that most of the enjoyment I received from this beer came from the fact that I was pleasantly surprised it didn't murder my taste buds and leave me condemning the brewery to the pits of hell.

A: This is a beautiful looking beer. Pours very dark with a creamy brown head and long lasting lacing.

S: I was confused here. The nose reminded me more of a barleywine than a Russian Imperial Stout. Big toffee notes and red berries, little roast to speak of.

T: Again, very confusing for the style. SWEET, very sweet! Not altogether unpleasant but my mouth had no idea what was happening. Toffee and molasses up front followed by hints of cherry and roast in the middle. The finish was roasted malt, wood chips, and ash....and strangely lacking any coffee prevalence whatsoever, once again really bizarre for the style. Also not necessarily dry, but the favors really didn't linger at all. Well masked alcohol.

M: Very creamy at first, but fades away very quickly. Thankfully, this brew was full bodied enough to help battle the odd char taste in the finish.

O: Not horrible, but not great. I can't say I would ever commit to buying a 4 pack of this, but I would be open to trying it again if offered. Leinenkugel's certainly went all out attempting this very ambitious style and may have fallen short, but I could definitely see this brew having an audience among the craft crowd a lot more than anything else they've ever come up with.

Serving type: bottle

01-11-2013 19:21:49 | More by Rin

beer4colin

Massachusetts

2.9/5  rDev -24.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.75

Full disclosure:

I have never had a Leinenkgel that I have enjoyed. But, I consider myself very open minded in reviewing.m past experiences doesn't affect anything with me..if I beer is good or bad I say it.

I fully under stand why mainstream brewers want to tap into the "craft" or "niche" maker. Profits are not the driver, but street cred is.

An Imperial Russian is a VERY ambitious brew. And not one to be taken lightly.

That said, here is Big Eddy....this beer pours a beauty, dark with a big rich dark brown 2 finger head when poured into a Pinter.

The Magog ends at the appearance. Taste is very contrived. Maybe it is a function of volume brewed but all I taste is charred wood! Stouts should be a nice roasted malt, peat or similar backbone.

This tastes like burnt wood chips thrown in the mash.

Serving type: bottle

01-09-2013 22:48:12 | More by beer4colin

Darkmagus82

Montana

4.3/5  rDev +12.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from bottle into a snifter

Appearance – Pours a black colored brew with a one finger light brown head. The head fades relatively quickly to leave a nice level of lacing. Upon swirling the glass the thickness of the brew can be seen with it clinging to the sides of the glass and slowly receding down to the base of the brew.

Smell- The aroma is heavy of chocolate and roasted malt with a presence of a bourbon like smell. A light coffee and molasses as well as a light licorice and dark fruit smell join the others and make for a rather nice roasty and dark aroma.

Taste – The taste begins very smooth with a roasted malt and coffee heavy flavor. Sweeter flavors of dark fruits and molasses soon come to the tongue with the smoothness losing ground to a more turbid and carbonated taste. Flavors of chocolate then start entering onto the tongue. A very light alcohol flavor with hints of bourbon hit the taste buds more toward the end. The chocolate and coffee flavors grow stronger and get more intense at the end and when combined with the more subtle sweet flavors produce a very smooth and roasted dark flavor to linger on the tongue.

Mouthfeel – This is one fantastic feel. As discussed above, it begins on the very creamy and smooth side with a very light carbonation felt on the tongue. As the brew sits in the mouth, tiny carbonation bubbles seem to make their presence known, slightly taking down the creaminess, but providing a great level of effervesce to compliment the sweet and bring in greater complexity to the feel. The end leaves a rather thick and lightly carbonated feel to linger on the tongue. This is actually one of the greatest feeling stouts I have ever had - It’s complex yet complimenting and balanced.

Overall – Now I know that most of you automatically label this beer as sub-par as it comes from a more macro brewery, but I say this, give it an “honest and unbiased” chance. It doesn’t have the best flavor profile, although it is goo with a nice roasty and dark flavor with a good level of sweetness. The real great thing of this beer is its feel and smell. Its feel absolutely phenomenal with the smell being quite nice. Look past your preconceived notions and give this beer a honest go.

Serving type: bottle

01-06-2013 03:25:03 | More by Darkmagus82

jdhilt

New Hampshire

4/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a three-finger khaki head that takes a while to fade to a ring leaving some lace. Totally black color, no highlights. Medium carbonation and heavy bodied. Molasses chocolate nose. Flavor is same molasses, chocolate and hints of dark fruit. $2.70 for a 12oz bottle from a Tully’s Beer & Wine Wells, ME.

Serving type: bottle

01-02-2013 23:51:39 | More by jdhilt