So, today I was feeling that feel… like I’d enjoy a fine ale.  I went to the closest establishment at which I might find said indulgence, which is. unfortunately, the local grocery store.  They do have a surprisingly good beer selection for a grocer, however.  Today, I thought long and hard.  I’ve had pretty much everything they sell, and I was torn between IPA and Imperial stout.  Its not really an Imperial stout kind of day, but it was 4 dollars cheaper to get a bottle of it than a 6′er of Centennial IPA.

Alas, my choice was made… I would purchase Stone’s Russian Imperial Stout, because as I remembered it, it was bitter as hell, and big, and delicious.  I must state, however, that this was during a late fall, early winter release of it.  It was wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy weaker this time.  I was a bit dismayed.  I should have shelled out the extra 2 bones for New Holland’s Night Tripper, or the extra 4 for a 6′er of Founder’s Centennial.

Now, don’t get me wrong.  This was not a terrible beer.  And for 5 bucks, it was really quite tasty.  Its just that it didn’t live up to what it used to be.  It’s like trying to compare Oberon from 6 years ago, to Oberon today.  Its just not the same.  Actually, thats a terrible comparison.  That would insinuate that this beer now sucks, which it doesn’t.  Its just not as glorious as it was upon the first available release.  I’d still give it a 7/10.  Its dark, and relatively big, roasty, and bitter.  If you can spring the extra few bucks, go for something a little better, i.e. night tripper.