Mission Brewery
Dark Seas Russian Imperial Stout
Russian Imperial Stout
California
8.8%
12oz, Single
$2.99
Pours only a thin head but it does cover the surface, extremely dark brown colored bubbles, sizzles off swiftly, there’s a few lacing streaks of credible width, probably better than expected based on the head. The liquid is pure black, completely opaque, no way to even see if there’s any bubbles inside. The nose is a close to symmetrical split between bitter dark chocolate and coffee beans, good thrust as well in the raisin to plum fruit scents, touch of mint and vanilla bean, the roast is not overpowering which allows the strength of the sweet dessert like qualities to linger. Full-bodied, leverages its dryness to good effect, keeping it clean and well-paced. You do also get more roast here as a result, puts an aggressive charge into the coffee, chocolate, toffee, coconut flake flavors. The cherry, plum, fig fruit recedes some here, same for the flowers, mint and licorice. No citrus presence but there is a breadiness. Minimal burn from the alcohol, however, you feel the buzzing right off. Carbonation is average, takes awhile to even remember to gauge it. Long finish without going overboard trying to make an impression. Pretty good stuff.
4 out of 5