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Marshal Zhukov's Imperial Stout

Florida
United States
Marshal Zhukov's Imperial Stout
Judges Ratings 
1 Review
95
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
39 / 40
Appearance:
5 / 6
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Description 

This Russian Imperial Stout is dedicated to Georgy Zhukov, arguably one of the finest generals of World War II. Opaque black in color, with notes of espresso, chocolate, dark toffee and hints of blackstrap molasses. The English hop varietals provide a subtle herbal dryness, and finishes with a hearty slap of roasty espresso. Pair Marshal Zhukov’s with Mushroom Solyanka, dark chocolate, cherries and ground wars in Russia.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
11.0%
IBUs: 
80
Served at: 
55 - 60° F
Judges Review 
BC Review's picture
Judges Rating:
95
Aroma:
24 / 24
Appearance:
5 / 6
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Weighing in at a respectable 11 percent ABV, Cigar City’s Marshal Zhukov’s Imperial Stout is a beer to be treated with respect. Situated in Tampa, Fla., the brewery is a relative newcomer but has quickly established itself as a brewing force to be reckoned with. Marshal Zhukov’s displays the tradition imperial stout aromas of French roast coffee, licorice, chocolate and alcohol, and it does so in abundance. Rick liked the integration of tar-like roastiness and savory dried herb notes of thyme and spearmint, as well as the prodigious alcohol in the nose. While he did comment on the alcohol, Pete lasered in on the rich, almost unctuous dark fruit character of prunes, figs and ripe plums. This beer oozes from the bottle and is such a deeply saturated black that it seems to suck the light from the room. This is one thick brew, and it takes a couple of minutes for the carbonation to struggle through the beer and produce the barest collar of light brown foam. Following suit from the aroma, the flavors aren’t shy in the least. Tons of dark roasted barley, Belgian dark chocolate, black cherry and alcohol compete for preeminence, yet the overall flavor is incredibly well integrated. Tim was impressed by the brewer’s adroitness in harmonizing sticky, resiny hops and intense espresso flavors, and Tom was effusive in his praise for the way the beer “coats the tongue with dark roasted goodness.” The entire panel agreed that, despite packing a rather powerful punch, Marshal Zhukov’s is perilously drinkable. Reserve this one for a stormy evening at home in front of the fire.

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