Category: Stouts and Porters

Dark Horse – Plead the 5th Review

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Dark Horse 5thAll You Need to Know

Brewery: Dark Horse
Style: Imperial Stout
ABV: 11%
Cost: $20 (64oz Growler)
Glassware: Snifter
Temp: 55°F
Availability: February
Purchased@: Friendly Greek

Quick Take: This is a damn fine beer that has some depth. It really reminds me of Founder’s Imperial Stout with toned down tobacco and intensified chocolate. I’d need to do a blind tasting to really determine which I prefer more, but Dark Horse has produced an excellent RIS that needs to be tasted. Really looking forward to trying an aged bottle of this (I have one from 2013, so it’ll be awhile) and making it a mission to have the bourbon barrel-aged version.

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North Coast – Old Rasputin XVI Review

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RasputinAll You Need to Know

Brewery: North Coast Brewing
Style: Russian Imperial Stout
ABV: 11.3%
Cost: $27 (16.9 oz)
Glassware: Snifter
Temp: 55°F
Availability: Once a Year
Purchased@: Hunger n Thirst

Quick Take: If you, like me, enjoy Old Rasputin, you will absolutely enjoy the bourbon barrel-aged version. There is no question of that, but the cost versus quality is way out of whack. Without needing to justify the expense, I can easily declare this to be worth no where near the cost. If cost is not a factor or you can find this for less than $15 (I did see a forum post where someone paid $13.99), it’s definitely worth a try. While I find the experience to be lacking given the chalky finish and less than luxurious mouth feel, plenty of people will find this to be an enjoyable and very drinkable bourbon stout.

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Founders – Kentucky Breakfast Stout (KBS) Review

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KBSAll You Need to Know

Brewery: Founders Brewing Co.
Style: Imperial Stout
ABV: 11.2%
Cost: $8 (10oz)
Glassware: Snifter
Temp: 55°F
Availability: April
Purchased@: Federal Taphouse

Quick Take: It is a really easy-drinking bourbon coffee stout, but is that really enough for a beer held in such high regard? This seems like a high ABV barrel-aged stout for people that don’t like their stouts too strong or assertive. The aroma is so wonderful and promises such a fantastic beer, but the taste just doesn’t follow through on it. Given the overwhelmingly positive reaction to this beer, I feel like I need to have it again to either verify my thoughts on it or possibly develop a new take. The exclusivity and cost of this doesn’t seem to match the experience, at least for me. As it stands, it’s a good, not fantastic, beer, but one I would get again were it readily available.

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Goose Island – Backyard Rye BCBS Review

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Backyard RyeAll You Need to Know

Brewery: Goose Island
Style: Imperial Stout
ABV: 12.7%
Cost:  $30 (22oz)
Glassware: Snifter (served in a water goblet)
Temp: 50°
Availability: Limited
Purchased@: Station Taproom

Quick Take: Quite the fruity beer. The syrupy mouth feel and extreme fruit may be overindulgent for some. It’s rich berry teeters on cloying, making a modest pour thoroughly enjoyable, but a single glass (possibly a cordial glass) is all I would want. This doesn’t strike me as a beer you want to age either as the sugary quality could get out of control. The bottom line is that this is a dessert beer built for sipping, sharing, and pairing and one I’m glad I got the opportunity to try even if I had to overpay for it.

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Episode 1 – Stone/10 Barrel/Blue Jacket – Suede

Posted on by Drews Brews Reviews

Episode 1 of Drew’s Brews Reviews is here! The beer review show you never knew you wanted and no one needs. I try the October 2013 released imperial porter, Suede, from Stone and friends. Still ironing out the show flow and this is a little chopped up, but it’s all about the quick. I’ll try to be more succinct and informative in the future.

Continue reading “Episode 1 – Stone/10 Barrel/Blue Jacket – Suede” →