Drake's Drakonic Imperial Stout punishes me with alcohol

I picked up supplies for my 3rd partial mash homebrew today, an Oatmeal Stout, including a good look'n 7 gallon brew kettle. Hubba hubba. The 7 gallon kettle hopefully ensures that I will not have another fiasco like my Sea Salt Caramel brew day (link).

I'm getting into the Stout spirit with an 8.75% Imperial Stout from Drake's Brewing, one of my favorite breweries. They make great reds and IPA's, but what about the dark stuff that gives you strength?

There is a rich roast aroma but damn can I can taste that alcohol from my tongue's first papillae. Wow, I should be having a steak and a bogarting a cigar with this brew, not eating a salad while watching today's Ellen (I'm kidding, it's a Rachel Ray rerun).

Either I'm getting used to the alcohol or it settles down a bit, most likely the former. I'm really enjoying the malt profile, but I'm desiring an ever bolder roast and chocolate flavor to match the draconian alcohol. This a decent stout, but not Drake's finest entry. ARMAGEDDON rating.