If you’re a fan of big winter stouts, here’s some news for you. Alpha Brewing is releasing its annual Muscovy Russian Imperial Stout on Friday.
Alpha releasing Muscovy 2020 on Friday
Why not end 2020 with a bang? The bang only a big, bold, top-tier bourbon barrel-aged stout can deliver. And, Alpha Brewing Company thinks they’ve got the right one, at the right time. It’s the return of their Muscovy Russian Imperial Stout (14% ABV). Muscovy is the Russian translation for Moscow.
Known for barrel-aged sours, fruit beers, and everything else in between. The team at Alpha has spent a lot of time and energy to make sure this beer is special.
“We have continued the tradition for 6 years now, every year aging the RIS in a different spirit barrel,” Derrick Langeneckert, owner and head brewer at Alpha said of this winter warmer. “We’ve done cognac, port wine, bourbon, whiskey, and rum.”
The Beer
This year Langeneckert aged RIS in Templeton Rye Barrels and added molasses to his recipe.
“Molasses has a great flavor, toasty, with hints of roasted caramel,” said Langeneckert. “It adds something more to a big stout than brewing a big beer with malt dextrose sugar. It adds some great complex flavors that really pull this stout away from the crowded category of Russian Imperial Stouts.”
Brewed with 3787 Westmal Trappist Belgian Ale yeast, Cascade hops, Proximity Base Malt, 350L Chocolate malt, 500L Black Prinz malt, flaked oats and molasses, Muscovy Imperial Stout pours dark but transparent. On the nose, you’ll get a good sniff of alcohol and caramel. On the tongue, you’re going to get booze and lots of it. Layered under you’ll get the caramel, molasses, toast, and roast along with a balanced sweetness. It drinks creamy and a bit lighter than it should.
On the label. you’ll find the work of Sydney Frydenger, one of the bartenders at Alpha. “She is always doodling at work,” said Langeneckert. “We came to find out she is a very talented artist. We commissioned several drawing from her and this was her interpretation of the beer. It’s a powerful beer poured in a delicate glass. The grizzly bear dancing with a dainty flapper encompasses this beer.”
Muscovy Russian Imperial Stout will be released on Friday, December 11. They will also be releasing various past vintages on tap, throughout the week. Click here for more information on this release party.
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