Northgate Russian Imperial Stout

Northgate Russian Imperial Stout, NorthGate Brewing, Minneapolis, Minnestota. 2015 Limited Release. 7.2% ABV, 60 IBU.

Appearance: deep blackness, utter darkness, large, lush creamy tanned head. Leaves lace, looks lovely.

Aroma: Major fruit. Big bitter. Massive malt. Dates and raisins and prunes. Oh, my.

Taste: This is not an American-style, big bruiser of an RIS. It isn't sludge and coffee grounds, it's not chore to trudge through, it isn't an assault on the senses. It is what it is, and it's terrifically tasty. Coffee beans and berries, big, but mild and mellow, too. No ogre nor beast, not a bludgeoning behemoth. It's a cool one. Full-bodied, but never thick. Smooth, man, smooth and satisfying.

Again, this is not one to challenge Darkness, or Expedtition, or Founders or Old Rasputin, or Narwhal, or any of the big, bold, thick, rich RIS's that define the American style of Imperial Stout.

But, it's still damned good.