This season, we’re thrilled to release the latest in East Brother’s Freighter Series: the Russian Imperial Stout.
Come take a trip with us.
It’s no coincidence that we produce Russian Imperial Stout (RIS) during the same season as our Baltic Porter. Like its predecessor, RIS has its roots in English brewing traditions, and a visit to England by Peter the Great brought these beers to the attention of Eastern Europe.
At the time the term “Stout” only referred to the strength of the beer and not its distinctive color, but Peter’s visit solidified this style’s association with Russia for centuries to come. Initially, the beer was brewed solely by Thale’s Anchor Brewery and then shipped to Russia. Eventually, the style became a staple in American brewing, and the term “imperial” almost always refers to a higher strength version of a style.
Likewise, our RIS is our heaviest hitter yet at 10.5%, just in time for cozy nights indoors and sweater weather. As the days slip into night earlier and earlier (meaning that drop from 60 to 40 degrees is happening sooner) this is the perfect beer to grab—and its hue matches the midnight sky to boot.
This year’s RIS might be our best yet. We partnered with our favorite local maltsters, Admiral Maltings, to design a malt profile that balances both the sweetness and bitterness of this classic style. The resulting flavor is both smooth and nuanced. Find notes of chocolate, a sherry aroma, cocoa nibs, and dark fruits. It’s like drinking a mocha from your favorite coffee shop.
Although we can’t travel now, a sip of this beer is a reminder of all the lives a classic beer style lives. This beer has traveled around the world to be with you, in your hands, and the deep history and tradition of RIS reminds us of why we love classic styles—there’s hundreds of stories, years of tales that unravel with every sip.
You can pick up our Russian Imperial Stout in our taproom, order to-go or for local delivery, or we’ll ship to you anywhere in California. Come explore with us.