Widmer Brothers W'11 KGB Russian Imperial Stout poured an impenetrable black-brown with a thin, soapy cafe au lait tinted head. The nose was a potent mix of coffee, molasses, anise, and roasted grains with an earthy smoke in the background.
Widmer Brothers W'11 Russian Imperial Stout met my palette with a surprising momentary lemon crispness, but was quickly overwhelmed by burnt coffee and dark chocolate and a chewiness in the mouth. As the stout faded, the semi-sweet dark chocolate took over and lingered in my mouth with a slight alcohol burn.
Widmer Brothers W'11 Russian Imperial Stout is, as promised in the "Imperial", a big brute of a brew. 9.3% ABV makes for a tough drink, and the chewiness of the body seals the deal that this is a sipping beer. I actually found the beer very enjoyable, and look forward to polishing off the rest of the six-pack this week, but would advise those afraid of big, dark beers steer clear.
