3 Floyd’s Brewing Co. 2018 ‘Dark Lord’ Russian Imperial Stout

Rating:

36684058_890747461109400_3559425658041925632_n“A demonic Russian-Style Imperial Stout brewed with coffee, Mexican vanilla and Indian sugar, this beer defies description. Bottles available one day a year — Dark Lord Day — at the brewery in Munster, Indiana.”

Glassware: Tulip.

Appearance: As black as midnight with a thumb of well retained head sitting atop. Excellent lace work sticking to the glass as we imbibe.

Aroma: Quite a bready scent hitting the olfactory’s initially, it has this funky sourdough note to it with acetone, alcohol, soy sauce, ink and raw figs in support. We’re picking up undertones of dark chocolate, burnt wood, leather, iodine, salted caramel and cherries as it settles in the glass. Extremely rich and dynamic.

Flavour: We’re here embracing for an onslaught yet it comes on with a welcoming sweetness which is best conveyed as sugary and caramelized. Behind it is a delicate vanilla, molasses, licorice and sweet espresso kind of affair which is just mindblowing! By the way how is this 15%?! It flows in to a sweet yet roasty finish with just the slightest hint of warmth in the tail.

Mouthfeel: Exceptionally smooth, full bodied and comforting. How they’ve hidden the booze is beyond us, that is simply next level.

Overall: Totally and utterly blown away! We’ve never drunk a RIS which has been this pleasant and palate-friendly. She may look demonic on the label but on the inside it’s heavenly!