Stone Imperial Russian Stout Belgo Anise licorces me up

This brew is part of Stone's “Odd Beers for Odd Years" program, where during n odd numbered years they release new variations on Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine and Stone Imperial Russian Stout in place of the classic version. The Belgo Old Guardian Barleywine was interesting but very overwhelming.

The regular Russian Imperial Stout is one of my favorite stouts and I'm interested to taste what the anise will do. Anise, which is used in absinthe and black licorice, will probably add a unique fingerprint and make this either an incredible beer or a really bizarre beer. I wonder what it'll be...

We're dog sitting the incredible Kamari, who I had to include in the picture. The best dog ever.

The licorice is there from the start and adds a nice flavor and does make this a unique stout. That being said, as I continue drinking it becomes harder for me to finish the glass. The anise wore on me and overwhelmed my palate and drinking became a chore.

I really enjoy Stone making this series of beers and I love the idea of making proven recipes using odd ingredients. It's bold and creative. However, these Belgo beers are experiments that I won't be drinking again. They created a monster of a beer and it's just too much. ARMAGEDDON rating.

Lips of Faith Belgo India Pale Ale

Arrived back at 10:30pm from an AMAZING whirlwind trip to Chicago to be poured this fellow. After a week of busts, I wasn't hopeful but...

Jambalaya me some more of that Belgo IPA

This surprised me in an excellent way, as did David with an bowl of jambalaya (which I lapped up like the dog I am). A belgian IPA, this handsome devil is in the same style as the Green Flash Le Freak but it's more subtle. The belgian body is upfront and light citrus follows. The beer finishes with a emphasized but not overwhelming hop.

Tired from traveling and sore from being slapped around by the bunch of nappy headed hoes we drank during the week, David and I were both happy to profess that we really dug the Belgo and would definitely drink it again. I really love this hybrid belgian/ipa style and for being excellent and flattering my palate, welcome to THE ROCK.

Lips of Faith Belgo India Pale Ale and gumbo breath

I spent 4 hours making gumbo today. It was a ton of fun and it tastes great. Just picked up Walker from the airport, and made him a bowl. Now we're going to enjoy a beer.

Aaaaaand we've got a good one. The Belgo implies it'll be a Belgian style IPA, and it hits both styles on the head. The combination of flavors is excellent. Good mellow sweetness leads off and then the subdued yet strong hops kick in, all the while staying smooth. Great beer that I will get again.

This is Jimmy Fallon. New kid at the party, but completely capable of standing on his own. I hope more people catch the fever and force this to stick around for awhile. It deserves some serious attention.