Beer – #455 – Wigram – Czar Imperial Russian Stout
Stout time. This one the Wigram Czar Imperial Russian Stout.
Brewed by Wigram Brewing Company in the style that of the Imperial Stout and they are based in Christchurch, New Zealand
500ml bottle of an beer that is 8.5% ABV, that would be 255 calories a serve, and 3.35 standard drink units in NZ.
He was looking so was I
Brewed in the authentic historical style of an Imperial Russian Stout, this big bold beer is crafted from rich roasted and toasted malts, fermented with a classic English ale yeast this Czarist favourite is an intense, living, bottle conditioned, full bodied Stout.
At 8.5% abv The Czar lives up to its name.
Plus I saw this in the pub the other day and though to myself I should really try it, seeing as how, well pub, and that looks like a beer I should drink. So Thanks to the nice people at Liquorland in Forrest Hill for having this available.
The pub in mention is the new 16 Tun bar on the viaduct in Auckland, which I might go back to and write a bit about later this week, weather depending. Certainly worth a visit or two.
I digress though…
It’s a lovely sunny day in the 09, fathers day, I have a T-Bone steak lined up for the barbecue, and the children might make an appearance. I’ve been out on the exercise, and even took MrsPdubyah to the garden shop where we managed to buy two new bushes as if our garden doesn’t have enough – “Climbers, they’re called climbers” she said with eyes rolling. The coffee and the orange cake made me overlook her sarcasm.
To the beer though, usual great artwork on the label, and I actually like the custom lid on the bottle too, just saying.
A Chocolate burst aroma on opening, dark chocolate rich. Poured really nicely and with a great head that looked all rich and thick and lush, but was an illusion as it died to a thin film. Aroma settles to a rich fruitiness.
You can really sense the alcohol in this, the astringent is strong in this one, but it’s delivered with a really nice soft fruits and sweet layer that draws you in.
This is just on the tart side of sour, and not a middle balance between the sharp and soft that would make you beam with joy.
Even on second tip into the glass this looks thick and full, this though doesn’t translate to the mouthfeel.
So it’s a solid beer, but as noted a little on the tart side for me, I would have enjoyed more head on the beer for my own entertainment. I like the aroma and I’m enjoying drinking this. But…. I would like to have had it with some foodage, and I really should think these things through before I start.
The pdubyah-o-meter rates this as an arbitrary 8 of its scale of things. Alcohol, sourness and head, all too much or too little. Aroma is nice, pour looks great but does not translate to fullness in the mouth. Nice and fruity, could do with something to keep it under control – looking at you MrsPdubyah and the lack of cheese platter.
It’s ok she doesn’t read this so I’m pretty sure I’m safe from the death stare.
The double dip review
- Am I enjoying it? Yes, it’s nice work
- Would I have another? I’m not sure I’m fully on board with it, so I might give it a miss.
- Would I share with a friend on a porch and set the world to rights? This would pass muster for a share and tell as part of a thing sure.
For the new music the band Deacon Blue, who are a Scottish pop band formed in Glasgow during 1985. Their name was taken from the title of the Steely Dan song “Deacon Blues”.
You can find the new album on Spotify http://t.co/a246P6Ylgn
This is the opening track ” A New House”
IMPERIAL STOUT
Imperial stouts are usually extremely dark brown to black in color with flavors that are intensely malty, deeply roasted and sometimes with accents of dark fruit (raisin, fig) or milk sourness. The bitterness is typically medium and often the low sie of that. Imperial stouts are strong and often exceed 8% by volume.
A life just as ordinary 
Keep up the really good work! Can’t wait to read more.
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