The Stone 2010 Imperial Russian Stout was one of my favorite beers released last year (and I still have a couple - perhaps I’ll pop one open for a future post). With the 2010 IRS being released in March, I had been anticipating the 2011 IRS for a few months before I finally got my hands on some.

It did not disappoint.

Stone’s IRS is a dark, syrupy beer with a lot going on. There is a nice balance of coffee, chocolate, and roasted malt battling for your attention. Top it off with the sweetness from the IRS style and a typical Stone-sized dose of hops, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

(You can get your own Fish Lives in Beer pint glass at Topatoco.)