Russian Imperial Stout
Brooklyn Brewery
10% ABV
IBUs?
OG: 1.096
12 oz. bottle (2010-11 vintage) poured into a snifter. Thanks Dan!
First off, this is not a chocolate stout, but uses specially roasted malts to achieve chocolate notes, and I will rate it as a regular RIS. Moving on, BBCS pours dark and clear with a big espresso brown head that formed in cascades and stuck around for quite a while. The lacing was very good too. However, it didn't seem as dark and viscous as the beers it would be compared to.
The aroma reminds of Bell's Expedition more than any other stout because of its tartness. Roast is present too, and some soft alcohol --- a typical RIS aroma but at pleasantly high levels. Dark sugars and some charring are evident and welcome.
The taste can stand up against any other stout not brewed with actual coffee/chocolate additions, or barrel aging. Bittersweet, with a strong bias towards bitter, BBCS is like dark chocolate minus the flavors. Well, there's a strong resemblance in the aftertaste so the last sentence should be taken as a negligent comment. Starts displaying a molasses character with warmth, and is tart to begin with. Smoothly warming, with a long and bitter finish with medium roast character.
The mouthfeel is way silkier and richer than what I expected based on the relatively thin color. Carbonation level couldn't have been better either. Overall, I am very glad to drink this beer finally --- especially when I haven't had a RIS in days. This beer reminds me why I like the style in the first place. Highly recommended.
The aroma reminds of Bell's Expedition more than any other stout because of its tartness. Roast is present too, and some soft alcohol --- a typical RIS aroma but at pleasantly high levels. Dark sugars and some charring are evident and welcome.
The taste can stand up against any other stout not brewed with actual coffee/chocolate additions, or barrel aging. Bittersweet, with a strong bias towards bitter, BBCS is like dark chocolate minus the flavors. Well, there's a strong resemblance in the aftertaste so the last sentence should be taken as a negligent comment. Starts displaying a molasses character with warmth, and is tart to begin with. Smoothly warming, with a long and bitter finish with medium roast character.
The mouthfeel is way silkier and richer than what I expected based on the relatively thin color. Carbonation level couldn't have been better either. Overall, I am very glad to drink this beer finally --- especially when I haven't had a RIS in days. This beer reminds me why I like the style in the first place. Highly recommended.
Scores: Appearance 4.5/5; Aroma 3.5/5; Taste 4/5; Mouthfeel 4.5/5; Overall 4.5/5
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