Totalitarian is a Russian Imperial Stout brewed by Stone Brewing, and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in a snifter from a bottle.
Appearance
The Stout pours an opaque black and is topped by a thick cap of dense mocha-colored foam that shows fine retention. The head reduces to a swirl of thin residue that coats the sides of the glass.
Aroma
The aroma is faint and consists of smoky roast with hints of chocolate and booze.
Check Out the Latest News Article
Flavor
Bready malt and mild coffee flavor lead the palate. Finishes with a mildly bitter mix of floral hops, coffee roast, and a hint of earthy wood. Sweet dark chocolate, cola, prune, and graham cracker round out the tasting. Fruity melon is picked up in the base.
Mouthfeel
Its feel is smooth and silky with a light chew. Its full body and low carbonation finish dryly with a mild astringency.
Overall
Its appearance is solid and its aroma, while faint, is pleasant. Its luscious feel nicely supports its decadent palate and a lofty ABV is hidden quite well. Its taste is terrific; so flavorful and complex. Totalitarian is a wonderful Russian Imperial Stout.
Recommended Pairings
Stone recommends the following food pairings with their Totalitarian Russian Imperial Stout: appetizers of sausage and kraut, prime steak tartare, Swedish meatballs, smoked salmon, pasta salad, wild mushroom soup, Texas-style chili, Bo Kho Vietnamese beef stew; mains of spicy lamb sausage rigatoni, mole braised beef, porterhouse steak, beef ribs, cheese and onion pasty; sweets of chocolate-hazelnut tart, stone brownie sundae, blueberry blue cheese jalapeño cheesecake, artisanal cheese and fruit plate, chocolate lava cake, and s’mores.
