Three Floyds Dark Lord Russian Imperial Stout

Brewed by Three Floyds Brewing Company
Style: Imperial Stout
Munster, Indiana USA

Had the 08 version. Pours a nice dark black with very little head. Has to be the chewiest beer I have ever had. Had hints of liquorish, plums, vanilla, and chocolate.Definitely a must try but a little to over hyped I was expecting much more from this one.

100th rating, thanks to my son, Fata2683, and shared with my stepson, Ryan. The aroma of this 2009 vintage was intense and was noticed even before pouring. My wife could smell it from 5 feet away and the aroma had my mouth watering with anticipation. Poured into a tulip glass, the ale was black as motor oil (and almost as thick) with a thin, brown head. So many wonderful flavors were present but the most predominate were espresso, black cherries, and molasses. Finish was all of those mentioned with the addition of bittersweet chocolate. What a wonderful experience to have had the priviledge to sample this fine ale from Three Floyds.

It’s frosty outside so time to open my 09 Dark Lord. Pours pitch black with almost no head. Chocolaty aromas. Thick and viscuous on the palate. Bittersweet dark chocolate flavors that linger on the finish. What a delicious offering from Three Floyds.

2008, aged one year, thanks to gonzoillini! aroma is acidic coffee, black cherry and grape. big chunky, coating mouthfeel. appearance is opaque with swirling chocolate film head. initial oxygen blast carb from pour is filthy mud. flavor is industrial chocolate. aroma initially is solely java while flavor maintains the monopoly on cocoa. in due time, aroma begins to evolve to almost 100% cocoa ironically! dregs from the bottle nearly choked me to a death of the utmost pleasure. this is practically chocolate syrup, the most decadent imperial stout known to man. 2009 bottle has far more alcoholic nose and pour/oxygen head is not nearly as filthy. much more acidic nose with less java and more booze. very hot all around but still substantial, potent and very enjoyable in its own way. head retention (for what little carb exists in either vintage) is far inferior as well. soy sauce while was hardly noticeable if at all in 2008 is prevelant here. this beer needs a nap!

2009 bottle. poured jet black with a tan head that faded quickly to give nice lacing. smelled of coffee, dark chocolate, plums, raisons, bacon, cherries. tasted sweet to start with notes of cherries, chocolate, plum, raisons and very good at hiding the alcohol.

bottle thanks to cavie. thanks for finally helping me get this one. 2009 version. poured as black as the night with a tan head. the legs on this were sick and stained the glass. aroma was chocolate covered cherry cordial and plum. flavor was the same plus dark roast, cinnamon, and some alcohol. body was medium-heavy with a good slick feeling. great stuff and glad i have a bottle to age.

2009 Bottle courtesy of belgiangirl. Poured thick black with deep molasses and licorice aroma. Complex hops at the beginning followed by anise and molasses and finishes well with a smoky/hop bitter ending. Was even better warmed up, and is a delicious brew.

#1400! 2009 vintage. Pitch black pour. No light escapes this dark hole of a beer. Yum, lots of darkness in the pour. Heavy malty notes. Some chemical sour but nothing distasteful. Taste has loads of chocolate. Flavor has bit of astringent notes that fade quickly. This will be much better with years on it. Some sharp flavors need to fade and it will be fantastic. That being said, well freaken done!