Review Date 8/5/2011
Try?
Re-buy?
I just love a good Imperial Stout. It’s one of my favorite beer styles, and I just can’t seem to get enough of them. So I’m always excited when I see a new one hit store shelves, as I did back in December of 2010 with Terrapin Big Daddy Vlady’s Russian Imperial Stout. This is release 13 in the brewery’s ongoing series of specialty brews. So, I picked up a few bottles, one to enjoy young and one to age for a bit.
The “Big Daddy Vlady” here, of course, refers to Vladimir Lenin, the father of the Russian communist revolution. That, of course, is more than a bit ironic, since Imperial Stouts are a product of the Czars reign-and of course good old Vlady put a stop to all that monarchical nonsense.
In any event, this is a very good example of the style. It’s also a very potent brew at 10.25% alcohol (per the label), so sip accordingly.
From the label:
Terrapin Big Daddy Vlady’s Russian Imperial Stout is Number 13 in our Side Project Series of beers. Brewed under the strictest Socialistic guidelines, this Imperialistic Stout will be carefully monitored and allocated accordingly. Black as the coldest Siberian Winter’s night, this colossal, viscous beverage will bring the hammer and sickle down on your little girly man’s palate.
Terrapin Side Project 13 Big Daddy Vlady’s Russian Imperial Stout pours to a jet black color with a thick creamy head formation, though it took a very vigorous pour to obtain same. The nose hints at powdered cocoa and licorice. Sipping the beer is almost sinfully delightful, as the thick, viscous body approaches a quart of 10-40. Flavors of powdery cocoa, raisin, espresso, chocolate pudding with skin on top and above all, licorice, all vie for the attention of your palate. In the finish, this one is big and roasty bitter with warming alcohol and a kiss of hops to boot. It’s certainly dry and would pair wonderfully with a rich chocolaty dessert.
This is everything I could want in a Russian Imperial Stout, and more. It’s aged quite nicely over the past seven months, and could easily go longer. A bit pricey at $7.99 for a bomber bottle, but otherwise a worthy treat. I’m sure Vlady would be proud.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft
