It’s finally here, the Stone Imperial Russian Stout 2012 Release at 10.5% ABV. A couple of weeks back I reviewed the Belgo Anise version. It has been well over a year since I last tried this beer. So I figured might as well talk a bit about it. The beer is very dark and viscous. Just like my previous review of the Belgo Anise it does not stray from good yet evil like ingredients as provided by Stones great beers. This beers is not as minty chocolate as the Belgo Anise is but it leans toward another type of fruit flavor. Dark currant berries, figs, vanilla, caramel, chocolate and coffee bread/cake flavors blend to make a beer only fit for the Russian Kings. There is this other flavor I cannot pin point that feels like the cocoa mole beer I had the other day as well. Except for the Champurado and Chile feel. I am thinking it must be the anise which gives the licorice flavor but not to the awesome extent of the Belgo Anise, but just enough to know something is there. It is pretty cold in Russia so having this definitely provides that warm feeling. Either this or Vodka..lol. One thing to note about this beer and the mysteries it holds is that the 2012 version is heavier and sweeter. Sipping this is a must. It is not as bitter as the previous year and feels more sweeter than the 13th Anniversary Bottleworks one I had the other day. I would get this beer over that one…depending on the mood I am in ofcourse (Smokey Sweet vs Smokey Bitter). Stout and sweet beer lovers, pick this up while supplies last :). I got this at Bevmo in Torrance.