Score: 97/100 – World-Class
From a 355ml can served warm at 18 degrees Celsius into a TeKu glass. Canned on 26/01/2021 – making this 8 months old.
I picked up this can about a month back from a local specialty store. While picking up a bottle of Albion’s 1848 RIS, the clerk insisted I try this as well. Sure, twist my rubber arm. What I didn’t realize is how old the can was.
First official Hopfenstark breview so hard to say where my expectations are if we discount what other people say about this beer.
Appearance 6/6
The beer pours an opaque black (oil-like) with 3.5cm of moussy, creamy, dark brown head which dissipates into a partial film within 3+ minutes. Great lacing with good head retention. A great looking imperial stout.
Aroma 23/24
Strong intensity with sharp-ish balance. The aroma is deep and dark malt-focused with considerable complexity.
Rich dark malt notes of burnt sugar, black licorice, chocolate, and coffee are accompanied by perfumy alcohol and moderate woody hops. Dark fruit esters at the back with pruny, scorched dried fruit characteristics. A wisp of smoke and low dark caramel. Restrained oxidation with mild leathery, meaty tones.
The dry nose is rich with notes of caramel, roasty coffee, soy sauce, and mild leather.
Flavour 39/40
Follows the aroma with strong intensity, good balance, and aggressive perceived bitterness.
The extreme palate opens up with notes of black licorice, burnt sugar/dark caramel, woody hops, and a splash of alcohol. The center is robust and exciting with the initial sweetness subsiding while black licorice, woodsy tones (pine + tobacco), alcohol, earthy coffee, wood char, and dark fruit contend for attention.
The long finish is strong and bitter with notes of black licorice, burnt sugar, woody hops, prunes, burnt toast, alcohol, and a wisp of smoke.
Mouthfeel 10/10
Medium-full body with low carbonation. The mouthfeel is heavy, somewhat oily, and mouth-coating with noticeable alcohol warming and a medium-sweet finish. Very low astringency with no actual harshness on the palate even though the impact is heavy.
Overall 19/20
Hopfenstark’s Kamarad Friedrich is a world-class Russian imperial stout.
Enticing appearance; top-notch looks for the style. The aroma lives up to any hype and delivers a delightfully deep look at dark malts, woody hops, and restrained oxidation. Based on the aroma alone, I’d never think this was canned back in January (being in September now). Seamlessly, the flavour follows delivering an outstanding punch in the mouth featuring a marriage of ingredients which is peppered with age. The mouthfeel has a heavy impact on the palate, but it doesn’t cross over to harsh effectively steering clear of any acrid qualities.
I’m impressed. Hopfenstark’s Kamarad Friedrich delivers everything I look for in a classic Russian imperial stout: an unpretentious sipper with significant weight and character. On top of that, it has stood the test of time by showing only mild oxidation which adds a pleasant layer to the overall drinking experience. Wow.
Seems to me like Hopfenstark deserves more space in the upcoming breview schedule. Highly recommended and a must-try for the style fans.
Beerfection | Craft Beer Reviews | Montreal, Canada 