Lord Tennyson wrote, "And out of darkness came the hands That reach thro' nature, moulding men." During August of 2003 the northeast was cast into the darkness. Some blame trees and others squirrels but whatever the cause--and no doubt man played a role as well-- there was little seen as positive stemming from the temporary loss of power. The millions of Americans for whom being on the grid is as vital as shelter or garlic-butter suddenly found themselves without the thousand electronic distractions modern life in the United States affords. What to do then but break out the beer before it goes bad, head out to the porch, and meet the neighbors. And that is what many did.

Taking advantage of Ohio's recently loosened laws concerning alcohol content Great Lakes and other micros have for the past few years begun producing beers in styles that are higher in alcohol content (high ABV). The Russian Imperial Stout is among that group that was previously unavailable in Ohio and Blackout Stout comes in at 9.0% ABV. Originally produced for the Tsar's army, this style has become one of the most popular high ABV styles produced.

Out of the bottle Blackout Stout announces itself with a sweet chocolate aroma, dark-brown to black color, with a slight, tan colored head (the on-tap version has much greater head retention). Flavors were a well balanced mix of coffee or chocolate malt and a subtle citrus hoppy bite. The Judge noted the lack of soy sauce flavor, sometimes associated with Imperials. The carbonation was good and the finish was quite dry compared to most stouts--though typical for Imperials--pairing well with the strong malt flavors. Overall it was perhaps the finest Imperial Stout we have ever sampled. High AVBs can often finish overly dry, making them poor choices for serving with food. Blackout Stout is a near perfect example of massive stout flavor and an obvious, though not obtrusive alcohol bite. Served with dessert, at your next blackout party, or on its own this beer will  be appreciated by the greatest of beer snobs yet not offend the palate of the benighted. While Great Lakes has produced an Imperial previously, Blackout Stout vastly improves upon it showing why Imperial Stout has been loved for so long.