Stone Belgo Anise Imperial Russian Stout

Stone Imperial Russian Stout is so thick, rich and well sinful, you might feel certain that you are to be doomed to the fiery pits just for thinking about taking a sip. It almost seems evil. Rest assured, however, that our ever faithful gargoyle has done his job well by successfully warding off all evil spirits. In fact, we guarantee that no sin was committed in the production of this seemingly pernicious brew. We will admit that we used copious doses of decadence in creating the viscous beauty you have before you, but no actual sin... You'll have to add that on your own. This particula adition is brewed in the authentic historical style of an Imperial Russian Stout, and then, shall we say...embellished. Specifically, by using a Belgian yeast strain, adding liberal amounts of star anise, and oaking it (which arguably could be considered 'historical' as they used wooden barrels back then rather then today's stainless steel). While our original version is "intensely aromatic (notes of anise, black currants, coffee, roastiness and alcohol) and heavy on the palate," this Odd Year version doesn't just have 'notes' of anise...it screams it. Big, loud and proud. Like the Russian Czarists. Presumably. Truth is, we can't say for certain, but one sip and it's easy to imagine it must be true.