Imperial Russian Stout
This super rare treat was graciously provided by the extremely generous Aprilluvsbeer. Thank you so much!! 750 ml black foiled top bottle poured into a snifter. Served at around 50 degerees. 2008 vintage. Pours as dark as the midnight sky with a frothy one finger mocha colored head that slowly dies down to a creamy layer of foam. A solid wall of lacing remains on the sides of the glass throughout. Very powerful aroma consisting of fig, roasted malts, licorice, and oak. A good amount of dark chocolate, French Roast coffee, elderberries, and booze. So much going on in the nose, very strong and enticing. Taste begins with charred malts, burned sugars, and coffee beans. The dark fruits really become noticable midway with very ripe cherries, plums, and blackberries. Aftertaste is very warm and boozy with bitter earthy hop flavors, wheat bread, and cocoa powder. Big and chewy body with a harsh mouthfeel and an aggressive carbonation. This is definitely a sipper, but it's cold as hell and we're supposed to get a foot of snow in Syracuse tonight so I have no problem taking my time with this monster. I could see this being sublime with a year or two of aging. Thanks again April!