Kremlin Russian Imperial Stout

Walkerville Brewery’s limited edition Kremlin Russian Imperial Stout is a 10%, 60 IBU brute sold in a seriously impressive matte black 750mL bottle with a representation of the Moscow Kremlin on the label.

This beer from Windsor, Ontario is black and pours with a tan head. It has sticky molasses and roasted malts on the nose and a flavour packed with coffee, plum, leather, and vanilla notes. Kremlin has a sweet to bitter progression, with a back end that touches on high cacao chocolate and yesterday’s espresso.

As with many Russian Imperial Stouts, I feared this one would be either too sweet or too bitter; however, it really split the uprights, offering a beer that is big and balanced, with only a slight lean toward too sweet. It’s also highly boozy and assertive. Walkerville’s take on the RIS is laudable. It might not be the very best I’ve ever had, but it’s worth mentioning in the conversation. As I often whine, Ontario’s breweries don’t always stout like I’d like them to, but this one is aces.

Rating: 9.0 out of 10.