REVIEW: Stone Espresso Imperial Russian Stout

I hinted the other day that If you knew how Stone handled their odd year limited releases that you might have an idea of what I was going to be taking a look at today. Well, here it is Stone's Imperial Russian Stout again! But this time brewed with copious amounts of espresso. On odd years. Stone tweaks the recipe for their IRS and their Old Guardian Barleywine. For example, this year's Old Guardian was made with smoked malt and oak aged, and in 2011 we had the Belgo Anise IRS (which I remember being pretty tasty!). It's very cool to see Stone really experiment and tweak these recipies. I'm a sucker for a big stout, any beer from stone, and a beer brewed with coffee. If ever a beer was a no brainer, it's this one. To the beer!

Espresso IRS looks very similar to the standard version. They're both silky, inky, viscous, completely opaque brews. The only difference I can make out is that the mocha colored head on the espresso version is not quite as impressive.

Unsurprisingly, intense, roasty espresso aromas take the lead on the nose. Notes of bittersweet dark chocolate and charred, burnt sugar and caramel join in as well. The slightest touch of vanilla can be detected too. All in all a very nice set of aromas. Sweet, with just a tiny bit of booziness. 

Espresso IRS is supremely full bodied. A milky sweetness leads off but is quickly followed up by intense roasty espresso flavors. The espresso flavors are prominent from the beginning of the sip through the finish. Joining the party are bittersweet dark chocolate notes and a bit of an acrid smokiness. Plenty of charred burned caramel in there as well. It finishes with a strong, lingering bitterness and a nice boozy warming. 

I loved the standard IRS when I looked at it the other day. I think the espresso version is even better. The coffe adds a complexity and a heartiness that is absolutely delicious. Also, just like the standard IRS, this one is wildly drinkable for such a big beer. Check this one out folks. 

HD