Thirsty Thursday: Flat12 Bierwerks Pinko! Russian Imperial Stout

Thirsty Thursday: Flat12 Bierwerks Pinko! Russian Imperial Stout

HeadshotBy Charlie Sasse

In summer a lot of craft beer nerds seek out light, crisp, and easy drinking ales. Kolsch, pale ales, wheats, pilsners, or the ridiculously labeled “style” session ales, are the most popular go-to beers for 80 to 90 degree sunny days. I have been clear that I am not the biggest fan of Kolsch, wheats, or most pilsners but I get the reason others are. I love the flavors in a hopped up pale ale (aka session ale) but I don’t always want a hoppy beer; sometimes in the summer I want a big stout, Scottish ale, or porter.

With Flat12 Bierwerks having their annual Christmas in July event soon, I decided to review one of my favorite year-round styles, Russian Imperial Stout! One of my favorite Russian Imperial Stouts is Pinko! from Flat12. I love the variations the crew in the back come up with for their event, but I feel the standard Pinko! is often overlooked for being as good as it is. I am lucky enough to have a few bottles squirreled away from past years, but I chose the most recent run to review.

I poured this beer into a snifter from a 12 oz. bottle direct from my cellar. When I held the glass of Pinko! up to the light, it was like staring down an old well into an abyss of nothingness. Black, oily, tar, inky, or however you want to describe the appearance is correct. There was a tan, almost brown, lacy head which dissipated fairly quickly. When I swirled Pinko! in my glass it left an oil-like sheen on the sides. Can it really be a Russian Imperial Stout if you can see through it, has a big white head, and leaves no evidence on the sides of the snifter? NO!

Pinko! smells like graham crackers, roasted malt, chocolate, and caramel. Something I am happy is missing is the date/raisin notes some big stouts have. The taste follows the smell but adds a slight smokiness, molasses, and sweetness reminding me of toffee (kind of like a Heath bar gone rogue). I always expect a bigger alcohol bite out of this 10% Russian Imperial Stout, but it isn’t there. The lack of an alcohol burn makes this beer dangerous. If you are not used to drinking higher ABV beers, and even if you are, Pinko! can trick you into drinking multiple bottles before you realize how drunk you are.

pinko 1Overall, Pinko! is one of my favorite standard Russian Imperial Stouts made. It is a big, delicious, and fun beer to drink. If you have never tried it, I suggest attending Christmas in July at Flat12. You will not only get to try the standard version but also the many different barrel aged variations as well. If we are really lucky, there may still be some of the 23-year-old Pappy Van Winkle barrel aged version available. I have tried this in the past and hope to sample more.

Your go-to summer beer may be a light and refreshing ale or lager, but don’t forget about the other delicious styles. Steering clear of certain styles during the seasons may mean you are missing out on some wonderful beer.

Keep drinking great beer and talking about it; I know I will!

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