Surly Darkness Russian Imperial Stout 2011

The Surly Brewing Company is in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota and currently only distributes itself in the greater Twin Cities area. It is fair to say that Surly is one of the most talked about and coveted brewers at the current time. Their beers are consistently delicious and flavorful. They will soon be opening a destination brewery in Minneapolis.

This is the 2011 Darkness, an annual release from Surly of their Russian Imperial Stout.  The beer pours very dark black, like used motor oil.  There is a massive, thick, billowing head of dark brown foam.  The aroma is dark roasted malt, very chocolaty, some coffee, dark chocolate.  The taste is massively sweet, dark coffee, very dark chocolate.  The sweetness and the bitterness combine on the finish to make a tart note.  The finish is both very sweet and dry and bitter at the same time.

Love the zombie on the bottle.

From the website:
This massive Russian Imperial Stout brings waves of flavors; chocolate, cherries, raisins, coffee, and toffee. We add a touch of hops to make this delicious brew even tastier.
STYLE: Russian Imperial Stout/American Double Stout

MALT: Pale Ale, Golden Promise, Crystal, Dark Crystal, Oats, Black, Chocolate, Roast

SUGAR: Belgian Dark Candi Sugar

HOPS: Columbus, Amarillo, Simcoe

YEAST: English Ale
OG: 29° Plato

ABV: 9.8 % v/v

COLOR: 55 ºSRM

IBU: 85

AVAILABILITY: October