Beer Review (43): Brooklyn Brewery Black Chocolate Stout

Brewery: Brooklyn Brewery Beer: Russian Imperial Stout | Beer Advocate Score: 93 Abv: 10.0%

Don't be fooled by the title, Russian Imperial Stout actually originates back to the British, those crafty geniuses!  So why is it called a Russian Imperial Stout then?   Yekaterina Alexeevna or Catherine II, also known as Catherine the Great, ruling Russia from 1762-1796, was very fond of the murky, bubbly and intoxicating brew.  She was very proud that she could drink just as much of it as any Englishman!  My kinda woman!  The high alcohol content was necessary to avoid freezing over when being transported over the cold seas many, many years ago.  Check out this article over at BBC.  A little more history about it's origin and ties to Russia, here.

Brooklyn Brewery puts their own spin on the Russian Imperial Stout, and it is might tasty.  Pours black as midnight and is smooth and creamy.  Full of chocolate flavor and a hint of milky sweetness to it.  Sip slow and enjoy, this beer will fill you up and leave you a little dizzy in a good way.  Delicious.