Ten Fidy (10% ABV can)- Russian Imperial Stout- Oskar Blues Grill & Brewery, CO 

Grade: B+

Poured from can into Duvel tulip snifter.

Appearance: I know it’s overused in many references and reviews, but this stuff really does look like the aftermath of a long overdue oil change. Black brown that swallows light and allows none to penetrate. Very thin cocoa head.

Smell: Nutty. Roasted coffee. A hint of burnt chocolate. Not very strong though.

Taste: Lots of earthy bitterness like unsweetened chocolate. Alcohol. Finishes bone dry. Flies in the face of a lot of imperial stouts in that there isn’t the creaminess and sweetness at the finish. There’s lots of bitter and burnt here along with hops hiding away. Somehow given all that it’s still appealling.

Mouthfeel: Oily and thick. Carbonation not really a presence. Covers the palate, but then disappears with that dry finish.

Drinkability: Given the boldness of the taste and high ABV one Ten Fidy will be enough for a sitting.

Overall: It’s a compelling beer but definitely not for everyone. There will be plenty of RIS fans who will take a pass on this one, but you should at least try it once. In all honesty it could use something extra to boost the complexity and balance out the bitterness. I picked up a 4 pack and the other 3 will last me a long, long time. It’s a bit like a really strong rauchbier in that respect; even though it’s good you need it only on occasion.

Funniest part of reviewing Ten Fidy was when I brought it in to the livingroom, my girlfriend perked up and was like, ‘Ooh, what’s that?‘ I passed the glass, she took a sip, and pondered for a second.

Finally she said, ‘It tastes like something familiar.’ Pause. ‘Oh, I know. Oil.’