Stone Totalitarian Imperial Russian Stout Gives New Rise to a Classic
This week, Stone Brewing released Stone Totalitarian Imperial Russian Stout. With roots in both the old world and new, this sinfully delightful beer makes its debut with slight tweaks to the original Stone Imperial Russian Stout. That recipe was developed in 2000 by Stone co-founder and original Brewmaster, Steve Wagner.
The original recipe, brewed through 2016, has been augmented by the careful addition of Belma hops in addition to flaked oats. Pouring jet black with a fluffy chocolate head, the aroma is rich and roasty with the scent of dark chocolate and espresso. Additionally, flavors of black currant and chocolate complemented by notes of graham cracker and marshmallow produce a beer that has a long-lasting smooth and silky finish.
“Our most devout fans don’t surrender quietly when we discontinue beers or skip Stone Special Release favorites,” said Jeremy Moynier, Stone Brewing senior manager of brewing & innovation, and nearly 14-year Stone veteran. “We always tell them they may see it again and in this case, the one year hiatus was well worth the wait. The additional hops and flaked oats add a new layer of complexity and mouthfeel that truly enhance an already remarkable beer.”
A well-executed regime change cannot succeed without cooperation of covert allies.
As such, Stone Brewing continues its long tradition of collaboration with small producers of artisanal foods. Coincident with the release of the beer, San Diego’s Nutista Authentic Stoneground Nutbutters releases an official Collaboration with Stone Brewing called The Stone Totalitairian Imperial Russian Stout Stoneground Nutbutter. Inspired by the beer’s intense flavor profile, the Nutista team created a uniquely special blend that utilized an incredible array of ingredients both inspired by and used in the beer itself. These include Belizian cacao and coffee. Also, just like the beer itself, a blend of golden, medium, and black roasted brewers barley malt. Unarguably, the result is decadent and simply amazing. Additionally, Stone Totalitarian Imperial Russian Stout debuts to the populace as only a rationed release.
“Nutista Authentic Stoneground Nutbutters is a passion project of mine, alongside mastermind artisans Tristen Cross and John Huber,” said Greg Koch, Stone Brewing executive chairman & co-founder. “I’ve been making nutbutters at home for many years now and so it drove me to discuss with Tristen and John the idea to create nutbutters inspired by Stone beers. The natural step was to collaborate by bringing together two companies that value the best ingredients, united by a love of experimentation and a disregard for convention. The result is nothing short of mind blowing. But of course I’d think that, everyone that knows me knows I’m a craft beer fanatic and a total nut job.”
QUICK FACTS
Name
Stone Totalitarian Imperial Russian Stout
Stats
10.6% ABV, 65 IBUs
Availability
12oz six-pack bottles, 12oz bottles and draft
Featured Hops
Magnum & Belma
Style History
When the densely dark Stone Imperial Russian Stout was still in its infancy, the style wasn’t recognized by the US Government’s agency regulating brewery labels. They thought it implied that the beer was brewed in Russia. However, it’s actually an historic English style that had originally been brewed for the Russian court.
We had three options:
- Name the beer simply Stone Imperial Stout
- Name the beer Stone Imperial Russian-Style Stout
- Fight back
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Stone’s team embarked on a three-year naming battle before finally earning the style’s full recognition for the brewing company and all fellow US brewers. Stone Imperial Russian Stout was born as obstinate as it returns. You can find the beer here.
TASTING NOTES
Appearance
Pitch black, beautiful creamy brown head
Aroma
Dark chocolate, espresso, and dark fruit in addition to hints of roasted malt
Taste
Rich dark chocolate, black currant, graham cracker as well as marshmallow notes
Palate
Smooth and silky alongside a long-lasting finish
Overall
Stone Imperial Russian Stout has been a much anticipated special release over the years. In 2017, we took a year off from releasing this amazing beer, causing some to worry that this was the end of an era. However, in 2018, this deep, dark stout returns as big as ever and with a few upgrades. Stone also added flaked oats for a smooth mouth feel. Also, they added Belma hops, which round out the dark fruit component, providing an ever so slight hop edge.
PAIRING NOTES
Starters
Sausage & Kraut, Prime Steak Tartare, Swedish Meatballs, as well as Smoked Salmon
Soups and Salads
Hearty Pasta Salad, Wild Mushroom Soup, Texas-Style Chili, and Bo Kho Vietnamese Beef Stew
Main Courses
Spicy Lamb Sausage Rigatoni, Mole Braised Beef, Porterhouse Steak, Beef Ribs, in addition to Cheese and Onion Pasty
Desserts
Chocolate-Hazelnut Tart, Stone Brownie Sundae, Blueberry Blue Cheese Jalapeño Cheesecake, Artisanal Cheese and Fruit Plate, Chocolate Lava Cake, as well as S’mores
Find more information about Stone Brewing on their:
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