Marshal Zhukov's Imperial Stout
Appearance: Motor oil black stout covered by a dense brown head. Completely opaque with sticky lacing that runs slowly down the glass leaving an amber oily coating. The head was initially deep, dark brown, but lightened up with time. This is definitely a beer that you can swirl around and be mesmerized by the different images that become etched within the beer's everlasting head. Smell: Very strong bitterness with pungent alcohol as well. This is a stout where the alcohol potency takes over. There is a slight sweetness, but it's subtle in comparison. Taste: Surprisingly balanced and appropriate to drink in the 50 degree range. The alcohol is strong, but the residual bitterness leaves your taste buds stunned and begging for mercy. Rich, bold flavors make this stout more desirable than other "stouts" in its class. Mouthfeel: Strong bitterness and alcohol counterbalance each other, but is thinned out by ample carbonation. I really like the smooth creaminess of this beer and have no problems with the lingering bitterness. I'm happy to drink a stout that's black like coffee, but doesn't actually have any in it (so I can go to sleep after drinking). This is one of the stouts that once you've had, you'll never go back to a watered down, "lesser than" stout again. Overall: This is a delicious beer with strong notes of roasted coffee bean and bitter African cocoa. Very sticky and sweet while having potent bitterness and ethanol to counterbalance. When the beer is allowed to warm, it's even better with stronger sweetness and a warmer mouthfeel. This beer is worth trying, but hard to come by! I would love CCB distribution in NY!