When I say the beer doesn't deserve to be ranked #3, that goes far beyond just comparing it to other Imperial Stouts. The Ola Dubh 30 that I had more recently is definitely one beer I thought was significantly more complex and and more enjoyable. The Speedway, in my opinion, is relying mainly on roasted malts and coffee. Excellent, yes, unsurpassed by almost every other beer in the world? Hell no, not to me. Every year of The Abyss that I tried was tastier to me, and Black Butte XXI (on draft and aged I have to admit) undoubtedly kicked its butt in multiple levels. And my experiences have all been with a fresh palate and full glasses. Not thimble ticking, so I'm confident in my own opinion. Obviously, not everyone is going to have the same preferences as me, so it's kind of pointless to argue differences at this level. The Hair of the Dog Adam batch #1 was also better, but that's probably not fair to compare [:D]

quote: Originally posted by Flashpro When I say the beer doesn't deserve to be ranked #3, that goes far beyond just comparing it to other Imperial Stouts. The Ola Dubh 30 that I had more recently is definitely one beer I thought was significantly more complex and and more enjoyable. The Speedway, in my opinion, is relying mainly on roasted malts and coffee. Excellent, yes, unsurpassed by almost every other beer in the world? Hell no, not to me. Every year of The Abyss that I tried was tastier to me, and Black Butte XXI (on draft and aged I have to admit) undoubtedly kicked its butt in multiple levels. And my experiences have all been with a fresh palate and full glasses. Not thimble ticking, so I'm confident in my own opinion. Obviously, not everyone is going to have the same preferences as me, so it's kind of pointless to argue differences at this level. The Hair of the Dog Adam batch #1 was also better, but that's probably not fair to compare [:D]

i just posted my personal TOP 10 on Facebook after passing 100 cases...i also don't comapre to impy stouts only, but that is still my favorite style, so the top is stout heavy. i didn't know where to put it...I've had it 2-3 times when it was just good, and 2-3 times where it was the best beer i've ever had. so i comprimised and put it AT #7,(THOUGH ANY KIND OF LIST LIKE THAT IS PRETTY FLUID -NO PUN INTENDED) and was really just for fun and to stir debate amongst my friends. but to each his own [:D]

1. Ayinger Celebrator 2. Bells Hopslam 3. Sam Adams Chocolate Bock 4. Great Divide Espresso Yeti 5. Deschutes the Abyss 6. Dogfish Head Palo Santo Marron 7. Alesmith Speedway Stout (consistency issues prevents this from being #1) 8. Mikkeller Beer Geek Brunch Weasel 9. Cigar City Marshall Zhukovs Russian Imperial Stout t10. Russian River Consecration/New Glarus Belgian Red ***honerable mention non-bottled brews: Russian River Pliny the Younger, Stone Red Wine barreled 7-7-07 Vertical Epic, Stone Whiskey Barreled Double Bastard, Firestone Walker 13. Let the angry debate begin!!!

Had the barrel aged version yesterday, and it blew my mind man.

quote: Originally posted by kinger Had the barrel aged version yesterday, and it blew my mind man.

quote: Originally posted by Stoutlover72 quote: quote: Originally posted by kinger Had the barrel aged version yesterday, and it blew my mind man. What year Cory? I have 2 BA bottles on hand from 07 and 09. Looking to pop one of them when my daughter gets outta Jr. High and then the other after HS graduation.

Cory...the 2009 barreled version was bottled on my birthday (and has been a white whale of mine for some time) so i bit the bullet and overpayed for a second-hand bottle. Your review just has me even more excited, since we've kind of lined up on our opinions of a few other barreled stouts. Now I just gotta figure out when to pop this bad boy...

quote: Originally posted by slowrunner77 Cory...the 2009 barreled version was bottled on my birthday (and has been a white whale of mine for some time) so i bit the bullet and overpayed for a second-hand bottle. Your review just has me even more excited, since we've kind of lined up on our opinions of a few other barreled stouts. Now I just gotta figure out when to pop this bad boy...

quote: Originally posted by kinger quote: quote: Originally posted by slowrunner77 Cory...the 2009 barreled version was bottled on my birthday (and has been a white whale of mine for some time) so i bit the bullet and overpayed for a second-hand bottle. Your review just has me even more excited, since we've kind of lined up on our opinions of a few other barreled stouts. Now I just gotta figure out when to pop this bad boy... If it's a hand bottle then the sooner the safest. Plus ino my experience Barrel Aged Stouts always seem best between release date up to about 6 or 8 months. I've noticed the barrel/bourbon will start to fade rather quickly after this point. But the '09 BA Speedway truly was a wonderful imbibing experience. They nailed it and took a fantastic beer to a whole 'nother level.