Big Sky Brewing Company Ivan The Terrible Imperial Stout

Hello beer lovers and welcome to another edition of the NorCal Beer Blog's brew review.

Tonight’s featured beer is Big Sky Brewing Company Ivan The Terrible Imperial Stout - Beer Aged in American Oak Bourbon Barrels - 12.2% ABV - bottle 1944 of 4200 - 2012 Edition.

From the Big Sky Brewing Company website: “Big Sky Brewing’s Ivan The Terrible Imperial Stout is brewing according to the traditional style using English hops and the finest American malt. It’s aroma and flavor balance well between esters of dried fruit and roasted cocoa with a slight bourbon presence.”

Let’s get started!

Appearance: Pours very dark brown, nearly black with a thin mocha colored head and sticky lacing.

Aroma: Bourbon, roasted malts, vanilla, dark fruits and oak.

Taste: Bourbon, chocolate and roasted malts, dark fruits, vanilla, oak, molasses and coffee.

Overall: As a huge fan of the style and bourbon barrel aged beers in general, Big Sky Brewing Company Ivan The Terrible Imperial Stout did not disappoint.  This 12.2% ABV offering is exceptional and I wish I had purchased a handful of bottles. I highly recommend this one.

Cheers!

Mark Harvey

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