Real Beer question for Real Beer drinkers....?

Question

Imperial Stouts, I know this is not the "season" for theses brews, but I cannot get enough of them at the moment.

What's your favorite Impy and why?

Answer 1

It's difficult to pick my favorite Imperial Stout.  This is my absolute favorite style of beer.  Not, of course, the beer for a canoe trip or mowing the lawn.  But, I still love them year round.  Here are some of my favorites:

Bells Expedition Stout: Truly an over the top stout.  10.5% ABV and a perfect balance of malt sweetness and hop bitterness.  

Three Floyds Darklord:  13% ABV, and one of the most complex beers on the planet.  Lots of different flavors: soy, plumb, fruit, etc.  Just fantastic.  

North Coast Rasputin: 9% ABV.  To me, this is the most approachable Impy that you can easily find on the market.  Perfect balance of flavors and it hides the alcohol better than any imperial.  You can almost drink this as a session beer, but watch out after 2 or 3!

Founders Breakfast Stout.  8.3% of pure coffee madness.  Almost all Impys have some coffee flavor, but this beer has Kona coffee in it.  The best beer for an early morning of fishing.

Man, this list could go on.  There hasn't been a Imperial stout that I haven't enjoyed.

Didn't know that you are a Michigan resident.  Me too!  May I add, since you live in this state:

Big Rock Chop House (Birmingham) Russian Imperial - 12% and boozy.  Still, for some reason I love this beer.  

Bells Bourbon Barrel Batch 7000 - Still can find it at some stores, this was a wonderful Impy!

Three Floyds Dark Lord Imperial - Not too far of a road trip from K-Zoo in Munster, Indiana, this beer is generally only found at the brewery.  Well worth the trip!

Dark Horse Plead the 5th Imperial Stout - just love these nutty fellas a Dark Horse.  This was a fantastic interpretation of style.  Bells gets the kudos as best stout producer in Michigan, but they are just barely a step above Dark Horse!

Answer 2

I've only had one Imperial Stout, but I found it absolutely delicious with some brownies. Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout, aged about 6 months. I do tend to prefer IPAs though.

Answer 3

Make one, it will be your favorite by far. It is easy

Answer 4

ah,beer?

Answer 5

Great Lakes Brewing and their barrel aged Blackout Stout is God.  It's hands down the smoothest drinking imperial stout I can think of.  The flavors are really balanced too, it's has a nice warm undertow of vanilla and cherry cordials that makes for an imperial stout for all seasons IMO.

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/73/...

A local brewpub also does a respectable RIS and I'd be doing an injustice to my local spot if I didn't shout them out.  If you ever find yourself in Columbus be sure to snag a growler of Barley's Brewing Company Alexander's RIS.

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/103...