January TD - Russian Imperial Stout

Follow the RIS guidelines, and add anything else you want, but it must fall into the RIS category.
 
It can have flavors or spices or whatever, but it must use a classic neutral ale yeast
 
Aroma: Rich and complex, with variable amounts of roasted grains, maltiness, fruity esters, hops, and alcohol. The roasted malt character can take on coffee, dark chocolate, or slightly burnt tones and can be light to moderately strong. The malt aroma can be subtle to rich and barleywine-like, depending on the gravity and grain bill. May optionally show a slight specialty malt character (e.g., caramel), but this should only add complexity and not dominate. Fruity esters may be low to moderately strong, and may take on a complex, dark fruit (e.g., plums, prunes, raisins) character. Hop aroma can be very low to quite aggressive, and may contain any hop variety. An alcohol character may be present, but shouldn’t be sharp, hot or solventy. Aged versions may have a slight vinous or port-like quality, but shouldn’t be sour. No diacetyl. The balance can vary with any of the aroma elements taking center stage. Not all possible aromas described need be present; many interpretations are possible. Aging affects the intensity, balance and smoothness of aromatics.
Appearance: Color may range from very dark reddish-brown to jet black. Opaque. Deep tan to dark brown head. Generally has a well-formed head, although head retention may be low to moderate. High alcohol and viscosity may be visible in “legs” when beer is swirled in a glass.
Flavor: Rich, deep, complex and frequently quite intense, with variable amounts of roasted malt/grains, maltiness, fruity esters, hop bitterness and flavor, and alcohol. Medium to aggressively high bitterness. Medium-low to high hop flavor (any variety). Moderate to aggressively high roasted malt/grain flavors can suggest bittersweet or unsweetened chocolate, cocoa, and/or strong coffee. A slightly burnt grain, burnt currant or tarry character may be evident. Fruity esters may be low to intense, and can take on a dark fruit character (raisins, plums, or prunes). Malt backbone can be balanced and supportive to rich and barleywine-like, and may optionally show some supporting caramel, bready or toasty flavors. Alcohol strength should be evident, but not hot, sharp, or solventy. No diacetyl. The palate and finish can vary from relatively dry to moderately sweet, usually with some lingering roastiness, hop bitterness and warming character. The balance and intensity of flavors can be affected by aging, with some flavors becoming more subdued over time and some aged, vinous or port-like qualities developing.
Mouthfeel: Full to very full-bodied and chewy, with a velvety, luscious texture (although the body may decline with long conditioning). Gentle smooth warmth from alcohol should be present and noticeable. Should not be syrupy and under-attenuated. Carbonation may be low to moderate, depending on age and conditioning.
Overall Impression: An intensely flavored, big, dark ale. Roasty, fruity, and bittersweet, with a noticeable alcohol presence. Dark fruit flavors meld with roasty, burnt, or almost tar-like sensations. Like a black barleywine with every dimension of flavor coming into play.
Comments: Variations exist, with English and American interpretations (predictably, the American versions have more bitterness, roasted character, and finishing hops, while the English varieties reflect a more complex specialty malt character and a more forward ester profile). The wide range of allowable characteristics allow for maximum brewer creativity.
History: Brewed to high gravity and hopping level in England for export to the Baltic States and Russia. Said to be popular with the Russian Imperial Court. Today is even more popular with American craft brewers, who have extended the style with unique American characteristics.
Ingredients: Well-modified pale malt, with generous quantities of roasted malts and/or grain. May have a complex grain bill using virtually any variety of malt. Any type of hops may be used. Alkaline water balances the abundance of acidic roasted grain in the grist. American or English ale yeast.
Vital Statistics: OG: 1.075 – 1.115 IBUs: 30 – 90 FG: 1.018 – 1.030 SRM: 30 – 40 ABV: 8 – 12%
 
 

change that
 
your IBUs can be anywhere from 30-90, making it have to have 50 is nuts
 
Ozzy2001 said:
I'm torn on editing my last imp stout or trying something similar to that Bourbon County recipe you posted awhile back. I may try to brew it tonight before our trip so it can begin fermenting.
 
I'm thinking about brewing one today, as a matter of fact ...
 
https://www.facebook.com/gearmaniaworld/videos/1463802190311741/?hc_ref=NEWSFEED
 
I want to brew a quick extract batch today to test the new kettle and the new fermenters etc ...
 
I have some MO and Munich extract.
 
If the disadvantages of using extract are increased mouthfeel and melanoidin/maillard products - well, count me in! :D
 
Later this weekend I'm going to brew Correhuela or Deebo or wheebz stout ...
 
Whichever RIS is best, I'll send in ...
 
I kind of like the idea of sending wheebz his beer - would get the best feedback on that, possible.
 
It would be entertaining for all, I'm sure ... kind of like when people go on reality TV and sing star's songs to them. More misses than hits, for sure ...
 
LOL
 
I'm going to steep some dehusked carafa III and character grains from tap-temp up to 170F, then yank them and start the boil, add the bittering charge, and then start layering in extract ...
 
 

tctenten said:
Been there, done that.
 
I believe you tested that recipe for him - that he hadn't had it ;) ...

 
Feel like that was a flaked barley experiment ...
 
 
Was going to post this yesterday after I brewed it but got too busy cleaning up and time slipped by and had to go to bed.  This is the biggest beer I have ever done so I hope it turns out
 
8WHduG2.jpg

 
Mash temp a tad low, was looking for a bit higher but could not really get much more in the mash tun and didn't feel like splitting the mash into two rounds
 
H1JwaBF.jpg

 
Black gold
 
sSGSY1e.jpg

 
Just starting to boil
 
TC1oPaR.jpg

 
Hard to read because of my crappy phone taking the picture with the flash as it was dark outside but she clocked in at a beefy 1.108
 
i3sBNdJ.jpg

 
In the fermenter and ready to go
 
bRzUIEr.jpg

 
Update, got home from work and this brew is going bananas.  The lid is so tented it looks like it wants to blow off and it is going nuts
 
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