Barleys Alexanders Russian Imperial Stout

Cask @ Barley’s. Head was everything an impy stout should be - thick, tan and unforgiving. Nose was super roasty-sweet malts, coffee and a little chocolate. The flavor profile was the same, but not as complex as I had expected. The impression on my palate, however, was downright disappointing. For an imperial, I was expecting much more body out of this. The flavor was close to a Breakfast Stout, but with the body of a Guinness. For what it’s worth - this mixed with their brownie is the most flawless.

On cask, something wasn’t working quite right so they had to pour me a glass without going through their nitro-carbonating system. Inky brown appearance is right. I like the head, all natural, they should serve it like this all the time. Very dry, dry roasty flavors. Drinks like a regular stout. I like this. A lot different from other bottled imperial stouts. Very solid, like most of Barley’s other beers.

On firkin at the Smokehouse. Dark brown with no head. Malty aroma with coffee, chocolate and some alcohol presence. Sugary malt flavor with some licorice and chocolate. Holds a soft spot in my heart because this one and GLBC Blackout are the two beers most responsible for turning me on to craft beer many moons ago.

On tap at the ale house. Poured black as coal with virtually no head.A big roasted coffe nose. Flavor was slightly bitter, coffee, sweet and hoppy.Finish was bitter coffee. I really enjoyed this brew and can’t wait to try it again!

Dark dark brown with just a hint of red. Brown head and lace. Coffee and abv on the nose. Hard coffee and warmth. A medium bitter finish. Some texture and full bodied. aromas and flavors that are pretty complex. Very nice.

Draft at brewpub. Black body, small tan head, slightly roasty and sweet nose. Sweet, roasty coffee/chocolate, relatively light mouthfeel for sweetness level, not ridiculously thick as so many examples are.

My favorite stout at Barleys. Deep black color with surprisingly light colored head. Very smooth and drinkable with a coffee flavor that is not too strong.

Growler from the brewery, enjoyed with a beer-lovin’ pal over some Sweet 16 games. Nice looking brew with a powerfully roasty aroma. Thick, resinous, and smooth body, an easy drinker too (wonder what the ABV is?). Complex malts wend their way through the more dominant coffee and cocoa flavors. Body’s a bit thin, but this is a good one.