Props to This Stout

Russian Imperial Stout, how do I love thee?  Let me count the ways:  you are so dark, you are so heavy, you are so complex, you are so high in alcohol content.

Too lazy to take my own photo.
Deal with it. 

Eh?  What?  Avert your judgmental eyes and instead absorb my wisdom; you'll want to hear what I have to report on this next beer.

The Propeller Revolution Russian Imperial Stout, no less.  A revolution among stouts?  I wouldn't go that far, but it is a freedom fighter nonetheless.

As with any Russian Imperial Stout, this beast from the east is no laughing matter; weighing in at 8%, having a thick and complicated molassesesque consistency, and being dark enough so as to terrify the most steadfast of lager drinker, the Revolution does its duty to the motherland.  While its origin is England, and its namesake is full of communists, er, I mean Russia, it is actually brewed in Halifax.  And here I was thinking they were only good for accidentally detonating warships filled with munitions.

So how does the Revolution differ from other stouts of its type?  Well, like a very good and strong nut brown, it adopts a more acidic, sharper flavour, in place of the sweet-yet-bitter taste of most Russian stouts.  It's interesting, and quite captivating at first.  However, the initial delightful surprise wears off, revealing a stout that, while still rather good, doesn't leave the lasting impression of, oh say, a Steamworks Backhand of God Imperial Stout.  It's leagues away from bad, but somehow that initial shock doesn't quite deliver in the long term.

I'm sure that at this point I'm supposed to do something....  Is it...is it...breaking it down?

Taste:  So you're thinking this is your run-of-the-mill Russian Imperial Stout.  You fool!  Prepare to be dominated!

Aroma:  Pretty much exactly what you'd expect from a RIS.  Molasses?  Check.  Chocolate?  Check.  Coffee?  Double check.

Aftertaste:  Oops.  That initial hammerfist-to-the-face doesn't quite hold up in the long run.  It's certainly not lacking complexity, but it somehow finishes quite differently from what you'd expect from a good stout.  And sadly, not in a way that backs the name Revolution.

Recommended?:  Yessum.  It's interesting, it's a solid RIS, and it's Canadian.  It may well be a bit of the expensive side (5$ for 500 ml), but it's worth at least a try.

Verdict:  Not mind blowing, but an interesting take at any rate.  A slightly acidic, sharp stout among a sea of brethren content with being simply sweet and syrupy.

Score:  7.5 mugs out of 10.