O’Dempsey’s Your Black Heart Russian Imperial Stout


The next in an occuring series. Have  a beer you’d like to see profiled? email aaron@beerguysradio.com or timd@beerguysradio.com!

We previously talked about porters in the last episode. The stout, as they say, is similar but different.

The main differentiator is the ABV. Stouts, usually, will have a higher alcohol percentage than porters. Ironically enough, that’s not the case for Guinness, perhaps the most famous stout of them all.

Ah. The Russian Imperial Stout. So, here’s the story. Back in the 1700s, Peter the Great took a trip to England. Because that’s what Czars do. He liked it so much, he ordered a bunch of it to get shipped to St. Petersburg. But, it spoiled during the trip.

So, English brewers upped the hops and malt, which upped the ABV. The higher alcohol content meant it was more sturdy, and was able to survive the trip. This was the first time the word “Imperial” was attached to a beer. Nowadays, when you hear the word “Imperial” next to a beer, that means it’s going to have a higher alcohol content than usual.

Back to current days.

O’Dempsey’s Your Black Heart Russian Imperial Stout
ABV: 8.0%
RateBeer Score: 97 overall / 63 Style
Beer Advocate Score: 88 (Very Good)

O’Dempsey’s founder, Randy Dempsey, was a long time home brewer, one of the founders of the Georgia Craft Brewers Guild. He got his start working with the 5 Seasons brewpub, and started distributing his beers in 2010. O’Dempsey’s also makes an IPA and an Irish Red Ale.

I’ve had Your Black Heart a few times on tap. Most recently at Lincoln Fill Station in Snellville. I picked this 4-pack up at Tower in Buckhead. You may have to go looking for it, but it’s certainly out there.

THE POUR
Dark. Almost like old motor oil. That’s not a bad thing, mind you. I love it – light goes to die when it tries to penetrate this one.

THE TASTE

Big. Smoky. Molasses. This isn’t a beer for the faint of heart, but if you like big porters and stouts, you need to give this one a try. I can easily see pairing this one with a nice maduro cigar. It’s bold enough not to get overpowered by the smoke.

Verdict? This Russian Imperial Stout is dark, malty, smoky strong…almost a molasses taste for me. Black. Like an ex-girlfriend’s (or boyfriend’s) heart.

https://beerguysradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/O-Dempseys-Your-Black-Heart.jpghttps://beerguysradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/O-Dempseys-Your-Black-Heart-150x150.jpgAaron WilliamsBeer ReviewAtlanta,Beer,Breweries,brewing,Craft Beer,Georgia beer,Georgia Craft Brewers Guild,O'Dempseys,review,spotlight,stoutO'Dempsey's Your Black Heart Russian Imperial Stout The next in an occuring series. Have  a beer you'd like to see profiled? email aaron@beerguysradio.com or timd@beerguysradio.com! We previously talked about porters in the last episode. The stout, as they say, is similar but different. The main differentiator is the ABV. Stouts, usually, will have...Cold beer, hot conversations, stupid jokes.