What it is: Northwind Imperial Stout is a Russian imperial stout from one of the area's most dependable breweries, Two Brothers Brewing. Northwind was Two Brothers' first seasonal beer, introduced 20 years ago. (It was originally called Iditarod, but the race of the same name took exception.) It has been a winter seasonal ever since, released every November for what is ostensibly stout season. Russian imperial stout is a classic cold weather beer, and Two Brothers' version isn't flashy, but pitch perfect.
In the bottle: Inky black, as a Russian imperial stout should be, Northwind evokes aromas of coffee, bitter chocolate, a touch of ripe fruit and light black licorice. On the palate, the beer leads with a bold, roasty, fruity-tobacco bitterness, then flees with a sweet chocolate-vanilla finish. Like all imperial stouts, don't drink this straight out of the fridge; give it 15 minutes to warm, and savor the unfolding flavor as it inches toward room temperature.
Alcohol: 9.1 percent
Drink it with: A hearty beer demands a hearty meal; anything featuring red meat should do, though Russian imperial stout can also work well with a hearty starch dish, like pasta. Northwind would also shine beside rich desserts, whether chocolate- or vanilla-driven.
Find it: Northwind Imperial Stout is available in six-packs of 12-ounce bottles at better beer stores.
