Well, look what I found! This happens to me all the time; I find a bottle of beer that has been in my beer fridge for a while, and I decide to drink it. In this case, I’ve actually considered drinking Unknown Brewing Dirty Commie Heathen Russian Imperial Stout with Bourbon Aged Oak and Cherries a few times, but this is a strong one, and hey, the bottle label does say THIS BEER AGES WELL!

Thus, patience was in order, and I had to put it to the test. I recall buying this beer at Total Wine in Greenville, South Carolina in March of 2016. In fact, I bought two bottles (one for a friend) though I have no idea what I paid. I was on the way to Fort Mill, South Carolina on a business trip, Fort Mill being located right outside Charlotte where Unknown operates.

Unknown says about this beer on the label:

When we think of Russian Imperial Stout, we think cold, dark, and filthy rich. We’re not historians but another dark, cold leader comes to mind. This beer weighs in at more than 4,000 pounds of grain and would easily tax the resources of premier Stalin.

We added bourbon-soaked red cherries to make this a real bear. Instead of starting a cold war, he would have been better off brewing a delicious beer. And, unlike the former Soviet Union, this beer ages well!

Of course they used “red” cherries, right? I will never understand the fascination brewers have with associating Russian Imperial Stouts with the communist era. Imperial Stouts originated in the Czarist era, with Catherine the Great (reigned 1762-1796) being said to be a great fan of them.

Be that as it may, Unknown Brewing Dirty Commie Heathen Russian Imperial Stout with Bourbon Aged Oak and Cherries has a hefty alcohol content of 12.4% by volume, and an equally hefty price tag of $16.99 for a 22-ounce bottle.

Unknown Brewing Dirty Commie Heathen Russian Imperial Stout with Bourbon Aged Oak and Cherries pours to a jet-black color with a thick creamy tan head and a nose of dark chocolate and char. Taking a sip, the beer is big on roast and infused with cherry. It’s a tad woody, and hints at licorice, too. There is rich chocolate and warming alcohol in the finish. The beer is oozy, but only just a hint of the bourbon.

I’m really enjoying this one a lot. It is smooth roasty and a wonderful sipping beer with 4 ½ years of age. I would rate it as a perfect five for me less a half star demerit because I thin k the price is a bit higher than it should be. Would I buy it again? Da comrade!

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

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