Whole Hog Russian Imperial Stout
12 oz bottle into a snifter. Whole hog is a dark black color in the glass with touches of brown. Some tan head recedes to a ring. Nice looking beer, but a bit lighter color than expected and just not top of the heap. The smell catches me off guard - notes of dark fruit are prominent and unexpected. There is some chocolate and molasses. Roasted malt with a touch of caramel sweetness and little hops. Not a typical Russian Imperial Stout. The taste is also a bit off for the style. Moderately bitter dark chocolate and some coffee acidity are present but also are sweet malt, a touch of dark fruit and raisin. This is almost more of a quad-like stout or a dopplebock. Weird. Overall, the beer is creamy with nice carb but the body could be better. Don't get me wrong, this is areally flavorful beer and is above average drinkability. But it seems like Stevens Point went for a RIS and only brought half the hog. Not a premier example of the style, and not a beer I will be revisiting soon.