Stone Imperial Russian Stout

Stone Imperial Russian Stout

Serving Type: 22oz Bomber
Style: Russian Imperial Stout
ABV: 10.5%

The standard stone gargoyle on the front of the bottle is adorned with a Russian style fuzzy hat. The label says that this gargoyle fends off any bad juju that could invade the sanctity of the beer. Cheers to you, Stone Brewing gargoyle, I hope you did your job.

The beer pours out like thick dark molasses, and a dark tan head erupts from the tumulus pour. Just looking at the beer lets me know that I have my work cut out for me, especially since I'll be downing 22oz of the brew. Aroma is strong with espresso and molasses. Also getting some nice vanilla-ey smells.

Pow! Explosive flavor from even the tiniest of sips. I think I need to let this warm up a bit more before I partake completely. Initial impressions are a very smooth mouthfeel that just coats your mouth. Almost sweet flavor transitions into a bitter flavor reminiscent of baker's chocolate. Also some espresso flavor finds it's way in towards the end of the tasting. The sweet flavors as the beer first hits your tongue are like molasses and malty deliciousness. Each sip is a swirling symphony of dark sweet and bitter flavors that opens up even further with each drink. This is definately a brew that will benefit by warming up a bit. There is also some spiciness going on, maybe cinnamon or some other zestyness.

Drinkability is pretty damn good for the style. It masks it's alcoholic content pretty well, as there is minimal burn in the back of the mouth after a generous quaff. I would again recommend sharing a bomber of this stuff with a friend, as most would have trouble finishing 22oz of such a powerfully strong beer. This is about as zesty as beer can get.

So I have to compare this to The Abyss, which many people believe is the gold standard for russian imperial stouts. This beer is very similar and isn't aged in whiskey barrels like the abyss is, at least I dont think so. This beer would age wonderfully as well, I'm tempted to pick up another bottle and just leave it in the fridge for 6 months or so. After trying the aged stone barleywine I've been exposed to the power of aging a powerful high gravity beer. It's amazing what time can do to these beers.

This beer reminds me of the different character that a beer can become. From the lightest wit to the darkest stout, beer is a blank canvas to impose upon.

Final Grade: A-

-Probably one of the better Stouts I've had, and the complexity of flavor is balanced and well composed. I think that with six months to a year of aging and this beer would be world class. I'm likely going to pick up another bottle to try out this theory, but not right now, becuase this beer has got me a tad saucy.

Rochefort 8

Trappistes Rochefort 8

Serving Type: 11.2oz Bottle
Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale
ABV: 9.2%

Nothing like a trappist brew, where you know a bunch of monks put their love into making this spectacular style. This stuff was brewed traditionally as a cheap nutritional drink for the monks to survive on. I cant imagine these monks controlled their sobriety very well with such a strong and flavorful drink available to them at all times. Anyway, on to the beer.

Pours a dark brown color, and is pretty cloudy due to residual yeast that is left in the bottle (this is a good sign that your beer is going to be good). The head is a nice light brown and hangs around after pouring the brew. The bubbles coming up from the bottom of the glass pick up little bits and yeast and causes them to dance around a bit, kinda nifty.

Nose isn't overwhelming and smells like most tasty belgian beers I've had. Some dark fruity notes and a grainy smell that translates into similar tastes. Definitely getting some dark fruity flavors mixed in with the nice mild malty-ness. Really complex flavors in this one, that mix in really well with the mild heat of the alcohol. It all blends together into a nice little dance in your mouth, catalyzed by the peppy carbonation in the drink.

This kind of tastes like how I imagined beer would taste when I was a child. Thick and hearty with complex flavors bursting all over the place. It has a slight sweetness to it, and blends into a mild bitter flavor and heat at the end, really great sensation. This beer is really agreeing with me. I wish that there was more than 11.2oz in the bottle, because I'm nearing the bottom of my glass.

Final Grade: A

-This is beer. Plain and simple. Accessible to any beer drinker, and will be enjoyed. I can recommend this to anyone who likes beer, and to many who don't. Complex and delicious, mixing and marrying flavors perfectly. Only downfall is the stuff is not cheap at $5.50 a 11.2oz bottle. Oh well, it's worth it.

Stone Old Guardian Barleywine

Stone Old Guardian Barleywine 2008

Serving Type: 22oz Bomber
Style: Barleywine
ABV: 11.26%

Pop the top and a plethora of amazing smells comes out. All sorts of spices and dark fruity notes jump out of the glass. I can definitely pick out some coriander or dried orange citrus deliciousness. I'm really loving the smells that this beer is giving me.

The color is quite nice, a little cloudy and a deep orange. Head is a one finger or so and light and hangs around, kind of like espresso foam.

On recommendation from many reviewers on beeradvocate I'm letting this beer sit for awhile and warm up. On second thought I'm thirsty and this beer just smells great.

Wow, what a first sip. Has a spectacular mouthfeel that just goes down so smooth. Reminds me of how the Rogue Double Dead Guy Ale felt in my mouth. Definately a strong hoppy finish that is really refreshing and appreciated.

Having never had a barleywine before, I can definitely see the appeal. It is malty like a strong stout, yet finishes hoppy like a good IPA. The hoppy finish could be a bit much for some not acquainted with the power of the hop.

This is a 2008 release, and as of writing this, there is also a 2009 that is available. So this beer has had a year to mellow out and grow more complex. Makes me curious to see how the new beer compares to this one. As I drink I can see lacing on the glass after each sip, pretty cool.

Delicious!

Final Grade: A-

-I'm a big fan of this beer but I can understand if the hoppyness turns off some people. If you like hoppy beers you will get aroused while drinking this. Dont say I didn't warn you.