United Nations of Beer

Sprecher Russian Imperial stout

by Mark Sumner
(Cudahy, WI, USA)

I first tried a delicious Sprecher Russian Imperial stout as part of the Sprecher Brewery Tour in Arpil of 2007. It was the first time I have ever tried a Russian Imperial Stout.

I like overly bitter beers, my favorite choice is usually an IPA with an IBU rating in the 80s! So to go to a Imperial Stout with an IBU of 32... let's just say I wasn't expecting to like it, until its sweet dark brown, caramel colored (and flavored) head hit my lips.

It was love at first taste! The first sip of the dark roasted malts hit like a strong cup of thick black coffee, then followed with an aftertaste of the sweetest chocolate flavors possible!

Since drinking Sprecher's Russian Imperial Stout I have yet to find one that rivaled the taste. I like them all, but nothing has come close to the infatuation I have specifically for Sprecher's.

However, it can be hard to find. Sprecher is a microbrewery located in Glendale (Milwaukeee), Wisconsin and since the Russian Imperial Stout is part of their Premium Reserve line of beers it is alsmot impossible to find in any store, so I do have to drive directly to their gift shop (about 20 miles from my hometown) to pick some up, but it is worth it!

If you're ever in the Milwaukee area I highly suggest visiting the Sprecher Brewery, not only for the Russian Imperial Stout, but for all their delicious brewed beers (all of which come in 16oz bottles)! Also, Sprecher is known across the USA for their National Award-winning homemade root beer and other gourmet sodas.