Imperial Russian Stout by Stone Brewing Co.

Thick, quick and black as mud. A sweet coffee squid oozing out of the bottle. The unholy union of a chocolate bar and an oil can. These are all reasonable ways to describe this Imperial Russian Stout.

Black as night with a cream tan head, this one is picture perfect in the glass.  Sticking your nose above the foam, one is graced with the breakfasty scents of espresso and fruit cake. After awhile, a touch of alcohol comes through along with a scent of molasses and malt.

Eventually, one has to drink, and the beer is is rich and full, with enough carbonation to keep the balance.  Malt and fruit ester flavors are the first taste impression: red fruit and molasses. A smooth chocolate milk texture and flavor come into play in the midpalate, and then the hops start peeking out. Sometimes Stone uses hops as a beating stick, but here they are in service of a higher power.