Zangief's Bearhug

Origin Story

When deciding on what stouts to brew for Brewski Bash this year (2015), we needed at least one that would be a straight up stout without any non traditional ingredients. So even though this stout wouldn't have any different ingredients like the others I still wanted to do something that would stand out, which is why we went with a Russian Imperial Stout. Now what to name it? Being fans of classic video games, Luke had the idea to name it after the Russian character form Street Fighter, Zangief and Tony added the Bearhug, which was one of his signature moves. This is one big and bold beer that may put some hair on your chest just like good old Zangief. A little bit about the origin of the style and it's name, Russian Imperial Stout. Imperial is a term applied to beers that simply use more of everything. Many believe the origin of the word dates back to when English brewers would brew stouts for Stout to Russia, specifically for the Russian Czar's "Imperial" Court. Designed to impress the royalty who would be consuming them, these beers were specifically crafted to have a higher than normal ABV, by significantly increasing the malt bill. A larger amount of hops would also be used to help balance the increased maltiness, and likely help preserve the beer as it made the long journey to Russia. Hence the birth of the Russian Imperial Stout.