Thunderhead Russian Imperial Stout

Thanks to bditty187 for this bottle. #106 of 300. Pours a used motor oil black, with a very creamy quarter inch dark brown head that fades very slowly to a thin swirling cap and thick ring, leaving behind a thick sheeting of lace. Smell; lots of dark roasted malts, coffee and chocolate. There’s some hints of dark fruits, with raisins and plums. Some bitter hops are present, but not very strong. Taste; the roasted malts and coffee flavors come out kicking, and then rolls smoothly into a nice, slightly sweet chocolate. Raisins and plums fade in to a good, mildly bitter, hop presence on the back of my tongue, with only a mild hint of alcohol. Mouthfeel is full bodied and very smooth, with a drinkability that keeps me reaching for the glass. I was saving this bottle to celebrate the birth of my daughter who was just born on 15 June, and then found out on the same day that I’m getting a promotion. I’d say this was a great beer to celebrate both occasions. What a great beer, this is my favorite RIS to date.

On draft at the Chicken Coop brewpub in Grand Island, Nebraska. Dark brown and very attractive wtih a big tan head. Solid nose of roasted malts. Mouthfeel was rich and creamy. Flavor was nice malts with some chocolate and coffee. A solid offering from the brewer.

Draft...snifter...thick tan head w/ lots of lace...Moderately roasty & chocolate aroma...full mouthfeel & a somewhat oily texture...a nice rich beer.

Beautiful looking beer. Not bad tasting, but nothing overly spectacular. Goes good with pizza and Harry Potter (yea, I’m a geek).

On tap at the brewpub. Roasted coffee aroma. Black in color with a tan head. A dry Irish-style stout. An after-bolus of delayed flavor hits the tongue. A competent stout. Finishes a little on the light side. UPDATE 1/13/06: This is now being bottled by Trevor Schaben in 750 ml bottles. I think this might get better with age.