Stone started the concepts of odd beers in odd years where they offer the regular versions of some of their bigger beers along with one that has something different. This one happens to have anise and Belgian yeast to ferment the brew. I grabbed one awhile back and threw it into the basement for some age. I pulled it out, curious to see how it was.
ABV: 10.5%
Style: Russian Imperial Stout
Trivia: According to the brewery website, “Stone BELGO Anise Imperial Russian Stout is brewed as part of Stone’s ‘Odd Beers for Odd Years’ program—which introduces “odd” versions of their classic beers in odd years (2011, 2013, 2015…). It begins as the rich, dark, intensely aromatic Stone Imperial Russian Stout, but is then fermented with a Belgian yeast strain, and tweaked with star anise and oak chips, adding a lingering blend of vanilla and licorice notes to the palate.”
Random: This beer has been aging since 6/26/2011.
This bad boy poured with a half a finger of tan head that dissipated at a moderate pace. Shockingly, I didn’t get a lot of lacing left behind, but instead, a small crown remained on top of the body of the beer throughout sipping. The body was an inky black with no visible carbonation due to the color. The nose was almost off putting. It was very medicinal with a lot of menthol thrown in. The taste was slightly better. I got roasted malts, Belgian yeast and chocolate. But, then I got the anise…a lot of it. It just made the beer unpleasant and overly medicinal. It was almost like drinking the regular version of liquid Nyquil. The body was medium thickness and low carbonation was present as well. There was slight booze warming on the back of the throat as well. As it warmed even more, the medicinal quality was muted a touch, but not enough to make this enjoyable. The finish was way too long and obviously medicinal. If aging mellowed this, I would have detested it fresh. Despite the hype, this brew wasn’t worth it and I wouldn’t have it again.
Untappd Rating: 2.5/5.0
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