purchased at LeClair’s General Store Fayetteville, NC.

Appearance: jet black with a cocoa colored head. solid 1 inch head that lasted through the pint, great lacing down the glass.

Aroma: slightly hoppy on the nose, black coffee, dark cocoa powder, sort of milky sweet cream aroma

Taste: creamy smooth dark chocolate followed by a coffee bitterness, dark fruit, maybe cherry, tobacco, cappuccino creaminess on the end.

Body: Full mouthfeel, lasting dark chocolate bitterness, dry finish.

Overall: This Rationed Release is a great Imperial Russian Stout, solid hop character that I love in a Russian Stout but a great counter flavor of creamy dark chocolate and coffee. This begins wanting you to drink it for its creamy texture but quickly reminds you that it’s Imperial Russian for a reason. Sometimes life can be bitter but still so very good.