Stone ESPRESSO Imperial Russian Stout

2013 Odd Year Release

STYLE

Imperial Stout

ABV

11%

IBUs

65

Like the classic version, this Odd Year edition was brewed in the authentic, historical style of an imperial Russian stout, but with the addition of several hundred pounds of espresso beans from our friends at Ryan Bros. Coffee. Layers of flavor and complexity augment an already enigmatic brew, leaving this darkly delicious libation positively brimming with deep, rich espresso flavors that meld beautifully with the roasty bitterness of the dark malts.

ABOUT THIS BEER

Release Date

April 15, 2013

FEATURED HOPS

Warrior

NATIONAL DISTRIBUTION

AVAILABLE

NOT AVAILABLE

AVAILABLE

NOT AVAILABLE

INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION

Australia; Alberta, Canada; Japan; Singapore; Sweden; and United Kingdom

Tasting Notes

Appearance

Beer pours black with a deep tan head.

Aroma

Strong yet nicely balanced coffee and chocolate flavors. The addition of espresso beans in the brewhouse and post fermentation enhances the coffee flavors that are naturally found in the classic version, but also enhance the perception of chocolate. The fruity, yeasty and hoppy flavors found in the classic version are more diminished.

Taste

Deep, rich, fruity coffee and mocha flavors intertwined with subtle vanilla and a fruity finish.

Palate

Very full-bodied and smooth with a hint of alcohol heat.

Overall

Espresso -roast coffee has thousands of aromatic and flavor compounds. A lot of what comes out in the final flavor depends on where the beans are grown as well as and how they are roasted and blended. We fell in love with San Diego’s Ryan Bros. Coffee espresso when we first tried it in a cask of Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale, and later brewing macchiatos and lattes during our weekly “Espresso Friday” sessions. It’s a blend of Indonesian, and Central and South American coffee beans, roasted and blended together to perfection. The flavor is bold and robust yet very smooth, with hints of citrus and berries, and we knew it would be a great addition to this year’s “odd” version of our Stone Imperial Russian Stout.

Provided by

Mitch Steele

,

Brewmaster

Pairing Notes

Appetizers

BBQ Buffalo wings, Stilton-stuffed crimini mushrooms, lamb lollipops, bacon toast

Soups

Beef and barley, French onion, butternut squash, potato chowder

Entrées

Espresso-rubbed filet mignon, elk loin, mushroom ragout, Thai coconut curry

Cheeses

Aged Gouda, Caveman Blue, Point Reyes Original Blue, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano

Desserts

Vanilla ice cream, tiramisu, chocolate Bavarian cream cake, dark chocolate

Cigars

La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero, Java Robusto, Camacho Triple Maduro, Arturo Fuente Fuente Opus X Belicoso XXX

Provided by

"Dr." Bill Sysak

,

Craft Beer Ambassador

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Stone ESPRESSO Imperial Russian Stout