Stone Belgo Anise Imperial Russian Stout 22oz Bottle From Stone This 2011 Odd Year release pours pitch black with a deep tan head, with aromatic notes of anise, coffee, and cocoa jumping from the glass. Coffee and dark roasted malt flavors dominate, with a robust compliment of anise and oak, which leave a lingering blend of vanilla, licorice, and dark malt on the palate. This one will age nicely for several years Stone Brewing Co. Stone Belgo Anise Imperial Russian Stout Vintage 2011 Enjoyed in 2011 22 oz. bottle poured into a goblet. 10.5% abv. Appearance: Pours a jet black with an impressive dense head of foam that subsides to a mere film. No lace left behind, no light getting through this guy. Aroma: Black licorice/Jägermeister. There, I said it, Jägermeister. Im betting most young folks are more familiar with the potent spirit than they are with black licorice, this beer smells like Jager,Jager smells of anise. Once I move past that, we move into slight wet dog, dark chocolate and herbal hops. Taste: Black licorice first and foremost, gives way to some herbal earthiness(the Belgo yeast?), and dark roast. Modest wood tannins. Licorice and dark roast lingers well past the sip. A much smoother, less aggressive mouthful of flavors compared to a fresh OG IRS. Mouthfeel: Perceived to be thicker than OG IRS, almost silky and certainly thicker. Stone BELGO Anise Imperial Russian Stout Appearance: The beer pours black with a deep tan head of foam. Aroma: The aroma is a blend of anise, coffee, and cocoa, with black licorice and dried fruit flavors. Taste: Up front taste impressions are classic Stout, with coffee and dark roasted malt flavors dominating. The anise comes through mid-palate, and blends nicely with the malt flavors. Towards the finish, the oak character from the aging on oak makes its appearance, and creates lingering subtle mellow vanilla and oak complements to the dark roasted malt. Palate: The palate is full bodied and very smooth. The alcohol is minimally perceivable, it's not very hot. Overall Impression: Really nice flavor combination. There's a lot going on in this beer, yet it never loses the original character of a classic Stone Imperial Russian Stout. The Belgian yeast is largely subdued, there's very little in the way of clove, and just hints of banana, yet the yeast esters add to the overall palate of flavors here, and come out more as the beer warms in the glass. This is one that will age nicely for several years. First Release Date: July 2000 Hop Variety: Warrior Stats: ALC/VOL 10.5%, 56 IBUs
