Beer Bright Stubborn Russian 2012

Among last year's impressive haul of Aussie brewed Imperial Stouts was Bright's Stubborn Russian. It was actually one of the lower ABV offerings of the haul, something that has been seen to for this year. In the words of brewer Jon Seltin, it's "black, bigger, badder" stands at 9.6 pr cent yet "is smoother and more integrated than the last release - a good sign that it's a winner is the fact that it's now the go-to beer for all our beer-geek bar staff," he says. This year's contains more toasted oats and a higher percentage of dehusked dark roast malt. Jon says to expect "all the classic impy stout ticks - bitter chocolate, spicy dark bread, alcohol warmth and the ghosts of Goldings hops haunting the aroma." He's holding onto a few bottles until next winter so perhaps you'd best get two and do the same.