Commissar Russian Imperial Stout - Real Ale Brewing
It’s not often that you run across a Russian Imperial Stout in the hoppy and hazy world of modern beer. But one can’t be denied if one is found, and especially if it’s from a Texas brewing legend.
Real Ale’s Commissar is a throwback to the original beers that are versions of English stouts and porters ramped up with hops and high alcohol to survive the long transport to Russia. The background of this beer is important to understand why Commissar is 9.8% ABV and, according to Real Ale, loaded with “Colossal additions of American hops” presenting 75 IBU.
Get out the tulip or snifter, and let’s sip ‘er.
First Impressions:
On the Eyes--Jet black as a moonless night and with not even a hint of light coming through. Topped with a milk-chocolate head.
On the Nose--Expressive roasted aroma that’s making the dark-beer lover in me salivate.
On the Palate--A surprisingly floral and grapefruit citrus start this first sip, a nod to the colossal additions of hops Real Ale put in. Then comes the rich and complex malt notes with a massive stout roastiness, a nib of dark chocolate, and a lingering note of tobacco. The mouthfeel is full, and the dry finish coats the mouth with the roasted and tobacco flavors. And yes, she’s strong as a Russian bear.
Food Pairings: Real Ale suggests pairing Commissar with chocolate desserts, oysters on the half shell, and elk burger. Enjoy!
Final Thoughts:
It’s always a risk buying a bomber-style beer. They’re meant to be challenging, but that can sometimes mean they aren’t to our palate. We all have different tastes, but it doesn’t make us wimpy if we don’t like these aggressive beers. I tried Commissar years ago, and much too early in my beer drinking to have the palate for it. I was lukewarm towards it. But years on, and with a plethora of stouts under my belt, I found this beer interesting, challenging, and worth the sip (and cash!).
Real Ale is an excellent brewer, and they have a ton of respect for classic styles. They are also innovators, so adding the huge amounts of American hops make this malty, smoky beer really approachable and quite balanced considering its 9.8% ABV. I would even say it’s more balanced than many common stouts, but that’s one drinker’s opinion. But the complexity of this beer is wonderful, with an expressive smokiness, dark chocolate, tobacco, and even a touch of chicory bitterness. This is a good beer for the stout enthusiast or the advanced drinker, but don’t be shy.
As I said, this style is hard to come by, but if you see one on a cold winter day, take it home and sip it by a fire, especially if it’s Commissar by Real Ale.
Cheers!
Mr. Brew
Try another bomber-style beer with Real Ale’s Real Heavy Scotch Ale. And if you’re looking for hops, go for the Axis IPA!