Rating: 3.95/5

2015 Odd Year Chai-Spiced Imperial Russian Stout by Stone brewing is a 10.6% ABV Russian Imperial Stout brewed with Chai Tea and spices.

Label:
As it stands, the classic version of Stone Imperial Russian Stout is deep, dark, rich, roasty and perhaps even a bit sinful. The ‘Odd Beers for Odd Years’ part of the journey means the coming of each odd-numbered year provides the opportunity to take this traditional beer to new and mysterious places, embarking on an exploratory odyssey enabled by strikingly flavorful elements applied to a lovely onyx canvas. This beer, the latest ‘Odd’ transubstantiation, takes inspiration straight from the spice aisle, incorporating array of ingredients assembled to emulate the flavors of authentic chai tea. Cinnamon, cardamom, clove, ginger, a dash of black pepper and a dose of black tea combine with Stone Imperial Russian Stout’s incumbent flavors to take it deep into exotic, previously unfathomed tenitory. Expect a touch of earthiness in combination with a warm, tantalizing aridness. Asa one-time brew with enduring character, Stone CHAI-SPICED Imperial Russian Stout is crafted to be contemplated fresh or cellared under proper conditions for many years so that it may live on not only in one’s memory, but on his or her taste buds as well.

==Introduction==

Picked this one up recently from Whittier Liquor Mart in Whittier California. Every spring, Stone releases their Russian Imperial Stout. Every other Odd numbered year, they release an additional one that is different. This year, they released one with Chai Tea and spices. My favorite one since 2011 has been the Belgo Anise Stout since that one was like mint chocolate chip ice cream. The 2013 was the Espresso Coffee one. As time goes on, we should see an odd year released every other year. So for now, let us see how this one goes. Cheers!

Aromas:
Chocolate Abuelita, cinnamon, vanilla, clove spice, caramel, ginger spice, chai tea spices, mole spices, champurrado, black tea, anise, molasses, pumpkin spices and curry spices.

Flavors:
Dark chocolate, Chai tea spices, clove spice, curry spices, black tea, ginger spice, anise, cinnamon, Chocolate abuelita brick, molasses, dark fruit currants, figs, raisins, vanilla, caramel, coffee cake, champurrado, mole, Birria stew spices and pumpkin spices.

Aftertaste:
Lots of spices, earthiness, dark fruit, dark chocolate, molasses, caramel and herbal hints. No alcohol in the taste despite the ABV, Smooth, Rich and creamy mouthfeel, pitch black body and moderate to sipping.

Overall:
While I found this one very good, I found the spiciness a little too much. It wasn’t heat spicy but lots of varying number of spices a bit overwhelming. I thought I was drinking a sugary spiced stew for a second. I am not familiar with the actual Chai spices but I do love Chai Tea. I guess mainly since it is milky and sugary. This, is more spicy than sugary but at least the bitterness is nowhere there. The beer is pretty smooth for sure like their other Imperil Russian Stouts. I think of the Odd years this one is my least favorite even though it is very delicious.

Anime Corner:
Xueli the Demon was used in this pairing to go with the colors of the beer, the gargoyle of stone but also the vast of oriental spices that are infused in the beer. Therefore she is wearing a similar dress of the region. Her colors also evoke the flavors of the beer as well.