This is part of the renowned Smuttynose Big Beer Series. Like all the rest, it comes in a 22 oz bomber. This one is marked “Bottle Conditioned in 2009″ and comes in at 8.9% ABV according to the Smuttynose website. The label gives a simple history of the style; “Imperial Stouts were first brewed for export from Britain to the Imperial Court of Russia’s Catherine the Great during the late 18th Century.” Better detail can be found at Allaboutbeer.com, like the passage “…a bottle of Imperial Russian stout dated 1969…was still in splendid condition, and was softer and silkier than a young version.” Continue Reading

New breweries have been coming fast and furious lately, but I was a little extra excited when I found Victory in the case at BX Beer Depot this week. I’m a fanatic about big beers and Victory Brewing Co. has a few that I’ve been hoping to try. Up first is Hop Wallop. I’ve actually had the pleasure of this beer before, at the Bodega Brew Pub in LaCrosse, Wi while on a business trip a few years back. I knew this beer rocked. Continue Reading