Topic Archives: Belgian Imperial Stout
Stone’s Odd Russian
This year Stone Brewing is releasing 2 beers in their “Odd Beers For Odd Years” series. Initially the idea was to just release Old Guardian and Imperial Russin Stout in Belgo/Belgianized odd versions. The Stone faithful complained, the brewery lamented and will be releasing both. The Belgo Old Guardian has already arrived. Next up is the Belgo Russian. 2011 will be an odd year for it indeed. Details from the label indicate this beer will full of star anise, a seed pod of the evergreen tree that boasts a licorice flavor. Bottle copy:
Stone Imperial Russian Stout is so thing, rich and well, sinful you might feel certain that you are to be doomed to the fiery pits just for thinking about taking a sip. It almost seems evil. Rest assured, however, that our ever faithful gargoyle has done his job well by successfully warding off all evil spirits. In fact, we guarantee that no sin was committed in the production of this seemingly pernicious brew. We will admit that we used copious does of decadence in creating the viscous beauty you have before you, but no actual sin… You’ll have to add that on your own.
This particular edition is brewed in the authentic historical style of an Imperial Russian Stout, and then, shall we say… embellished. Specifically, by using a Belgian yeast strain, adding liberal amounts of star anise, and oaking it (which arguably could be considered “historical” as they used wooden barrels back then rather than todays stainless steel).
While our original version is “intensely aromatic (notes of anise, black currants, coffee, roastiness and alcohol) and heavy on the palate,” this Odd Year version doesn’t just have “notes” of anise… it screams it. Big, loud, & proud. LIke the Russian Czarists. Presumably. Truth is, we can’t say for certain, but one sip it’s easy to imagine it to be true.
Style: Russian Imperial Stout (Belgianized)
Availability: 22oz Bombers. Draft.
Arrival: Late Spring, 2011.
10.5% ABV
New Release: Weyerbacher Tiny
Tiny is a misnomer. There is nothing tiny about it. This is the first release of Tiny by Weyerbacher Brewing (Easton, PA) or is it?
The details surrounding Tiny have been a secret kept by the brewery, except for the style, and its relationship to a previous brew – Weyerbacher XIII (or 13th Anniversary.) Both Tiny and XIII are Belgian Imperial Stouts. What are the differences? No clue. The brewery hasn’t gone on record.
Here is XIII’s description –
“Thirteen is a Belgian-inspired Imperial Stout weighing in at 13.6%. This smooth sipper is made with 5 malts and a touch of oats. You’ll find big chocolate and roasted notes, balanced with the Belgian flavors from the Abbey yeast strain. This beer is very smooth and lacks the astringency you sometimes find in these huge Imperial Stouts.”
Tiny doesn’t match up in ABV – as it barely breaks 12%. The differences will come out soon. In the meantime, get tasting.
Availability – 750 ML Corked & Caged Bottles only. No draft. Small batches in all markets Weyerbacher is distributed. Rumored will be brewed again this winter.
4/26 – In Stock, Hop City. (Have it? Leave a comment & I’ll post)
