Big Black Russian Imperial Stout needs little introduction. When Big Black walks into a bar, the record scratches and everyone turns towards the door. Light beers cower in its shadow. Cider drinkers convert spontaneously upon first sip. There are even rumors that it aced the SAT on the first try. No practice.
Legends aside, Big Black is an exemplary libation. It touts a stiff 9.0% ABV but sips as smoothly as a chocolate latte. The secret to its success? Patience. And lots of malt. 330 lbs of malt, to be exact. Following a brief stint in the fermentor, it spent the next six months aging in stainless steel barrels, allowing for the sweetness of the chocolate and caramel malts to develop and mature.
Bottled, wax-dipped, and labeled by hand, Big Black first hit the shelves during First Mile Brewing's second anniversary party--and is, in fact, both our first bottle release and our first anniversary beer release! It will remain for sale in-house until the beginning of March, when the remaining bottles will be returned to the cellar. There, it will continue to mature until we release it again next year, along with our next anniversary beer iteration.
Don't want to wait until next year? Come grab a bunch! Big Black is not particular about which cellar it ages in, though it does prefers dark, dry, and cool conditions for best results. Pair it with a medium-rare steak, or perhaps a slice of dark chocolate cake, but it is perfectly enjoyable on its own merit as well. (Chalice not required for consumption, but highly recommended...)
Can't make it to the tap room? Check out Merchants on the Corner in Presque Isle, where a handful of bottles are currently for sale. It's the only other place in the County (nay, the WORLD) where Big Black is sold, and quantities are limited!