This week's brew: Stone IRS 2014

By: Stevie

Russian Imperial Stouts are my favorite style of beer. Bold, viscous, and belly-warming, they're the perfect pair to any rainy day, and since we're finally seeing some moisture here in the Bay Area I thought tonight would be perfect to try the 2014 Stone Imperial Russian Stout.

Besides the Enjoy By IPA from Stone (which I'll be reviewing next) this is one of my favorite seasonal finds. Poured into my Deschutes snifter, it's deep black with a thick, tan head that dissipates into a ring of bubbles. There's no escaping the smell. As soon as it's poured, heavy overtones of burnt coffee, cocoa, and alcohol permeate the air. Mouthwatering.

11% ABV...it's a big one

The first sip is powerful. Thick, crisp, and carbonated. Then bitterness takes over, like a cup of black coffee, and is subdued with notes of sweet cherry. But, it's all washed away by a lingering alcohol burn. Age will be its best friend.

It's not the most flavorful IRS Stone has produced, but now that I have 3 vintages of it, a vertical tasting is probably in order.