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. "
"2012 Imperial Russian Stout
The über-dark, wonderfully rich Stone Imperial Russian Stout—now in its twelfth release—is one of the world’s highest rated beers.This year’s version is full-bodied… very rich and smooth,” says Brewmaster Mitch Steele. “The taste is all about malt, with coffee and dark roasted malt flavors in the forefront, a subtle yeastiness mid-palate, and hops present on the back end.”
VS
Stone Brewing :Brewery: Stone Brewing
Espresso IRS (2013) :Beer: Imperial Russian Stout (2012)
IRS :Style: IRS
11% :ABV: 10.5%
As I looked in my beer shelf, I thought it would be fun to do a series of beer battles, pitting one beer against another that are within similar styles. Since I had two versions of Stone's Imperial Russian Stouts, I thought I'd have them go up against each other in a sort of scrimmage.
If you are familiar to the beers from Stone Brewing Company, you know that they go big. Huge flavor, high alcohol by volume (ABV), generously hopped and all around great beers. So there is no surprise that their version of a stout would be anything less than an Imperial Russian Stout. The style of beer gets its name from old brewers of England who wanted to make a stout that was strong enough to make the journey to the Baltic states of Russia and that would please the Russian Imperial Court. In doing so they needed to add more hops to make the beer last until it arrived at its destination as well as brew a beer that was high in gravity. Nowadays, beers with imperial in the name, signifies that the beer contains more ABV, malt and/or hops than normally used, something that is typical of Stone beers.
Stone's odd beer for odd year released this month was a version of their IRS brewed with espresso beans from Ryan Bros coffee. The nose screams of delicious coffee and chocolate notes. Pouring black and wearing a frothy light brown head, the beer gives off a menacing look. But one taste of its rich chocolate and espresso flavors melt your palate.
Espresso Imperial Russian Stout
Aroma: 8
Appearance: 4
Flavor: 9
Palate: 5
Style Rating: 10/10
Style Rating: 10/10
Overall: 26/30
The classic (2012) version of the beer is just as equally great as the odd year release. Huge notes of chocolate and toasted/roasted nuts fill the nose. Same pitch black body crowned with a light brown head. I could really taste the delicious caramel and chocolate flavors throughout the beer.
2012 Imperial Russian Stout
Aroma: 7
Appearance: 4
Flavor: 9
Palate: 5
Style Rating: 10/10
Overall: 25/30
The Winner: Although the Espresso version of Stone's IRS narrowly out-pointed the classic 2012 version, the REAL winner here is your palate. Either of these beers will take your palate to a sweet wonderland. With an ABV of 10.5+, both beers will definitely give you a good buzz too. This battle is similar to that of the Chargers first string offense going up against it's first string defense, there wasn't a true winner. However in the weeks to come, the battles will get harder and there will only be one winner.
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