Bear Republic’s Big Bear Black Stout

By JASON + TODD ALSTRÖM

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Bear Republic Brewing Company out of Healdsburg, Calif. (north of San Francisco), is known as one of the quintessential flavors of the West Coast beer scene. This brewpub-gone-production brewery is most commonly known for their big and bold hoppy beers, like Hop Rod Rye, Racer 5 and Racer X. In our opinion, one of their most interesting and flavorful beers is their stab at a Russian Imperial Stout: Big Bear Black Stout.

Unlike many other Russian Imperial Stouts that lean toward bigger malt profiles, sweetness and boozy tendencies, Big Bear stays true to its roots with an aggressive dose of Chinook and Cascade hops (a spicy and citrusy combo), while a blend of Belgian and English roasted barley and crystal malts provides its malty foundation. They've won a ton of medals for this beer, but we've always found that the best judge is our own palate.

The Taste

Pitch black. Healthy looking head of creamy tan froth. An unfiltered brew—we spied plenty of dregs in the bottle. Nose full of hops: spicy, spruce/pine, citrus, floral, grapefruit and rind. Notes of burnt grain and chocolate. Taste-wise, we've got a plush mouthfeel and a nice, round full body. There's a charring going on up front, with smoke and molasses tanginess. Deep-seated herbal flavor with oily and resiny notes. Dark berries nearing black currants. Semi-sweet dark chocolate. Some biscuit toward the drying end. Spicy rye-like alcohol snap. Fresh yeast. Smoky linger.

Final Thoughts

Alcohol levels are deceptive due to the overall dryness of the beer. Lighter than expected, but this is not a bad thing. Overall, this is probably one of the easiest drinking 8.1 percent alcohol by volume Russian Imperial Stouts you'll enjoy. Just treat this Big Bear with some respect, unless you want to risk getting mauled, waking up in some park, naked and tattered.

As with all of their other releases that come to the East Coast, Big Bear is available in 22 oz. bomber formats and limited draught. However, as we all know, beer is always better at the source. So if you're wandering through Sonoma County, skip the wine and head straight for Bear Republic's legendary brewpub for some grub and a chance to try some of their locals-only beers.

FOR MORE INFO: BEARREPUBLIC.COM

FOR MORE BEER EDUCATION: BEERADVOCATE.COM

RESPECT BEER.