Arrogant nuttiness, bitter charred grain persistence, and stark molasses malt mustiness keep robust mahogany-bodied sienna-headed stout uniquely world class. Creamy chocolate-roasted maltose sweetness counters dry-hopped tobacco chew, pecan pie, cashew, and maple illusions to busy almondine-bourbon finish. By glorious comparison, not as frothy as Guinness Stout and less bitter than Samuel Smith’s Oatmeal Stout. Essential.

Thick and creamy tawny-headed brown body celebrates respected brewers’ 13th anniversary with mind-blowing Belgian-inspired ’08 Imperial Stout. Given a whopping 13.6% alcohol thrust, its sticky licorice forcefulness overrides the overripe raisin-prune quirk, cedar-smoked mocha malt lurk and molasses-sapped honeynut murk to a belated dark-spiced perk. Brown chocolate, cocoa and root beer illusions advance.

Sensational tan-headed mahogany-bodied 12% alcohol Imperial Stout flaunts prominent roasted coffee bean theme that’s nearly as punctual as Red Hook’s defunct Double Black Stout (made with Starbuck’s coffee). Creamy molasses sapping coats lactic black chocolate resonation and wavered black cherry nuances while bourbon-licked creme de cacao liqueur pillages thickening cappuccino finish. Burnt cedar, wet bark, and ashen oak found in recessive cove.

Weighty 10% alcohol content happily hidden behind fantastic array of port, burgundy, and bourbon illusions as oak-aged burnt wood chip thicket caresses prune, chocolate, and cocoa cluster. Oncoming ashy dryness counters thick syrupy nature, allowing busy mocha finish to increase its extremely sweet maple serration.

Limited 2001 release has less chocolate sweetness and mocha breadth than Lagunitas’ Bug Town. Hints of cocoa melt in the mouth, causing the finish to be light and unassuming. Crystalline water deflects chocolate malt richness, hurting its chance to strike a nerve with heavy hitters. Perfect crossover for lager and pilsner softies yearning to expand their palate.

Convincing bourbon-barreled Russian Imperial (aged in Jim Beam whiskey casks) maintains lilting espresso head above ruddy obsidian body. Medicinal cherry overture enriched by prune-strewn raisin puree sweetness, viscous anise-licorice ascendancy and creamy molasses frolic. Oaken vanilla souring envelops impending sherry, cognac, brandy and spiced rum illusions as well as recessive Black Forest cake or fruitcake notions.

Pour slowly distinguished bottle-conditioned Belgian Imperial or risk having overly frothed tan head exceeding lactic light brown body. Sweet molasses waft reinforced by marshmallow-y Kahlua-chocolate liqueur creaminess to burnt sugared toffee midst. Chewy rum-soaked cherry and bruised banana get strewn across increasingly prevailing anise stickiness upending dry cocoa-mocha finish. Supple raisin-prune thickness enriches tertiary cinnamon-clove spicing and wood-charred coal-embittered coffee chasm.

Impressively rugged cave-aged bourbon-barreled version of world class stout. Embittered hop roast replete with coffee bean-soured espresso milking and rich vanilla bean lambasting. Rich barley-oats toasting settles beneath exquisite mocha-liquered finish. Bourbon aging stokes gossamer-like Kahlua, Amaretto, and chicory illusions juxtaposing molasses-sapped chocolate subsidy.

Cocksure oak-aged wine-barreled ’07 black ale rightfully claims to be ‘the fuel of revolution.’ Chewy brown-sugared milk chocolate-y creaminess invades powdered cocoa, vanilla, and black strap molasses sweetening. Lactic frontage greatens Black Forest cake, chocolate mousse, licorice, sherry, and bourbon illusions crowding complex barley-roasted coffee bean midst. Cedar-smoked pecan and macadamia nuts engage brownie-like finish. Perfect alongside Stilton blue cheese or Black Diamond cheddar.

Robust mahogany-hued tan-headed Imperial brings unanticipated floral aromatics to rich roasted chocolate theme. Dry maltose midst picks up vanilla-bourbon amble to dirty earthen finish, relegating toasted hop crease.

Challenging ebony-hued Russian-styled stout brings whiskey malt palate to dry chocolate-raisin confluence before sherry, bourbon, and port nuances drape black cherry, black currant, and red grape surge. Raspberry puree and rum cake illusions reinforce brown sugar glaze and burnt wood bottom, deepening alcohol pungency.

Creamy lactose thickness fortifies weighty mahogany-bodied Russian-styled conqueror. Frothy black chocolate sourness gives way to equally opulent burnt coffee bitterness, picking up anise, maple, and hazelnut hints before buttery burnt caramel cluster forms. Tar-like stickiness deepens resinous bottom, adding to robust nature.