Imagine my excitement upon leering into the cooler at Worden’s Market in Missoula, a bottle of Stone Brewing Imperial Russian Stout was staring back at me. Decision made in a heartbeat, and that bottle went home with me.

Upon opening the brew, the air was filled with cocoa and coffee waves of aroma. As I poured it, the anticipation was overwhelming.

Appearance: Rich dark, black coffee color with a one finger dark tan head.

Aroma: Incredible mocha-like tones. Almost felt like I holding a hot chocolate.

Mouthfeel: Exquisitely silky, or maybe more like drinking velvet.

Taste: Chocolate and coffee with a right hop bitterness. The high alcohol (10.5%) was almost entirely hidden except for comfortable warm on the back palette. Roasted characters are in the background – noticeable but not the stars.

Redneck Rating: Goddamn!