With all the hubub this past weekend over the resignation of one of the White House Czars, it seem fitting that one of our Sip With Us Saturday Beer was a beer originally crafted for a czar, in the most historical sense of the word. Since we picked this beer on Friday, and Van Jones announced his resignation Satuday evening, we here at Thank Heaven for Beer are beginning to wonder if our articles posses some supernatural oracular power!
All kidding aside, the Imperial Stout, authentically a Russian Imperial Stout, is not Russian, but was brewed to woo the imperial court of Catherine of Russia by Thales brewery. Thales was bought out by Courage Brewery, and the beer, originally called “Imperial Russian Stout,” was renamed “Courage Russian Imperial Russian Stout.” When Courage shut down, the Imperial Stout’s production was transferred to Sam Smith’s brewery in Tadcaster. The beer, which in its prime boasted a 10 percent ABV, didn’t last long. However Sam Smith’s began producing the beer again as interest in bolder brews began to revive in more recent years in the UK and abroad.
So in a sense, while the current version is only 7% ABV, one could argue that Sam Smith’s hold the title to most authentic Russian Imperial Stout by reason of lineage. More info can be found at the Thales website.
The Pour:
Sam Smith’s Imperial Stout pours a smooth and jet black into the glass. There is formidable head, releasing a explosion of aromas. After the thick tan head dissipated, a stick lacing is left around the edges of the glass. the head did not dissolve completely around the edges of the glass and as I drank the beer, a lacing pattern covered the entire interior. The beer looked slightly oily as the light glanced off of it.
The Aroma:
A deep roasted aroma fills the air, bready grain, sweet chocolate aromas, toffee, and (unlike other reviews I’ve read) I picked up an a strong vanilla flavor. In fact, it was so pronounced, I pictured the brewer pouring a little vanilla extract into the boil kettle. Comprehensively, the aromas combine to produce a chocolate candy aroma. I must pause to point out: Most pale lager session drinkers would be freaked out by a dark black beer, expecting a bitter cold black coffee experience. If only they knew what pleasant flavors lurked below the surface!
The Taste:
First off, the beer flows in to the mouth with utmost ease. It is an exceptionally smooth experience from lips to esophagus. The flavor is so similar to those present in the aroma, which is not always the case for me. The vanilla flavor is so upfront, it is unmistakable. Sweet, sweet malts never overpower the senses to be interpreted as sickening sweet, as the most subtle hops balance the beer. Dark roasted malts dominate all others. Fruit flavors were not very apparent in my opinion, besides a slight dried fig flavor.
Overall Thoughts:
This is a great, go to beer. To be honest, I prefer some American incarnations a bit more (i.e. Old Rasputin, Dark Lord) as I think they offer more complexity.
Nate’s Rating
Overall Satisfaction:
Among other Imperial Stouts:
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I did not know that Sam Smith actually hold the lineage of the style. Thanks for the great info Nate.
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I didn’t know either…that’s one of the perks of running a beer site (as you know!)…forced discovery of beer knowledge. I think in most cases one learns more as a teacher than as a student.
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[...] Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout | Thank Heaven for Beer thankheavenforbeer.com/2009/09/08/samuel-smiths-imperial-stout – view page – cached Imperial Stout, authentically a Russian Imperial Stout, is not Russian, but was brewed to woo the imperial court of Catherine of Russia by Thales brewery. — From the page [...]
after reading your description I was getting thirsty, wanted to run out and grab one, except it is 10 am, I’m “working”, and then read your last two sentences. Such a flavor let down from your description of the aroma. I hate that, you get excited about drinking it, then disappointment.
Nice bit of history too, appreciate that!
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As I drank this, I thought the Treacle or Molasses tones really came through.
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[...] other two, Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout and the ‘Old Rasputin’ Russian Imperial Stout from North Coast Brewery are new to me. [...]
Where can I buy Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout in the Phoenix, AZ area?
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Jerry,
I’m not sure. I’m betting that a Bev Mo in the area would have it.
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