Parallel 49 Brewing Co. – Russian Imperial Stout (2012)

Parallel 49 Brewing Co. – Russian Imperial Stout (2012) Review

The Parallel 49 Brewing Company Brewed their Russian Imperial Stout in late 2012 but if you were smart you picked up a few to cellar. As the cool of fall approaches it is time to pull out this wax topped bottle and give it a try. Pouring a near black colour topped with two full fingers of coffee brown, tightly packed head this Russian Imperial Stout Looks thick and heavy. The smell is filled with toffee, caramel, tobacco and molasses. All this is along side a oaky, barrel aged warmth.The strength of being 10.9% is present but the depth of the scent masks it well. The flavour is mellower than you may expect. The taste starts off with a bit of a tang and a slight sour tone. This build quickly into a toffee and molasses medley that is thick and creamy. The body is quite full in the midsection and intense with flavour. This intensity mellows at the finish line though leaving the palate with a lightly bitter, molasses finally. The alcohol content is hidden behind the mask of strong flavours but adds a warming fealing with each and every sip. This beer has mellowed in its cellaring and could go as long as another year or two before enjoying but I would say that it is spot on right now!

Alcohol – 10.9%
IBU – 46
Size – 650ml
Price – $11.90 (Hastings St. Liquor)
This is an annual seasonal beer (January. 2012 Release)
parallel49brewing.com (not on website)