#20 Stone's Imperial Russian Stout
Brewed in Escondido, California, experts on RateBeer gave Stone Brewing Co.'s Imperial Russian Stout 4.215 out of 5 stars.
The brew is thick, rich, and pours black with a roasted, complex aroma of black currants, coffee, and anise.
Ratings on RateBeer are out of 5, and factor in aroma, appearance, taste, palate, and an overall score. "Experts" are defined by the Stanford University study as RateBeer users who are assigned the highest experience level based on volume of reviews and how their ratings compare to other "experts." Click here to learn more about the methodology.
#19 Bell's Batch 7000 Ale
This imperial Stout from Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo, Michigan was rated 4.226 by experts on RateBeer.
Brewed in honor of the brewery's 7,000th batch, it pours dark with almost no head and flavor undertones of vanilla and caramel.
Ratings on RateBeer are out of 5, and factor in aroma, appearance, taste, palate, and an overall rating.
"Experts" are defined by the Stanford University study as RateBeer users who are assigned the highest experience level based on volume of reviews and how their ratings compare to other "experts." Click here to learn more about the methodology.
#18 Bell's Hopslam Ale
Another beer from Kalamazoo's Bell's Brewery, Bell's Hopslam Ale is an Imperial/Double IPA beer that was rated 4.229 stars by RateBeer experts.
Bell's used six different kinds of hops to make this beer, which has floral and grapefruit notes.
Ratings on RateBeer are out of 5, and factor in aroma, appearance, taste, palate, and an overall rating.
"Experts" are defined by the Stanford University study as RateBeer users who are assigned the highest experience level based on volume of reviews and how their ratings compare to other "experts." Click here to learn more about the methodology.
#17 3 Fonteinen's Schaerbeekse Kriek
This traditionally-made Kriek brew (a type of Lambic beer fermented with sour cherries) from Beersel, Belgium's 3 Fonteinen brewery was given 4.236 stars.
Made only with malt, wheat, hops, water, and rare Schaerbeek cherries, this beer has a reddish hue with a slight sourness and fruity undertones.
Ratings on RateBeer are out of 5, and factor in aroma, appearance, taste, palate, and an overall rating.
"Experts" are defined by the Stanford University study as RateBeer users who are assigned the highest experience level based on volume of reviews and how their ratings compare to other "experts." Click here to learn more about the methodology.
#16 Hürlimann's Samichlaus
A dark Doppelbock beer from Zürich, Switzerland's Hürlimann brewery (now owned by Shepherd Neame), this beer earned 4.239 stars from RateBeer experts.
It's one of the strongest beers in the world with 14% alcohol by volume, and is brewed only once a year on December 6th in a castle in Upper Austria and then aged for ten months before bottling.
Ratings on RateBeer are out of 5, and factor in aroma, appearance, taste, palate, and an overall score. "Experts" are defined by the Stanford University study as RateBeer users who are assigned the highest experience level based on volume of reviews and how their ratings compare to other "experts." Click here to learn more about the methodology.
#15 Hair of the Dog's Fred from the Wood
Brewed in conjunction with RateBeer, Fred from the Wood was rated 4.241 by RateBeer experts.
A Barley Wine from Portland, Oregon's Hair of the Dog brewery, this beer is aged for 6 months in American oak barrels, and has tobacco and wood flavors.
Ratings on RateBeer are out of 5, and factor in aroma, appearance, taste, palate, and an overall score. "Experts" are defined by the Stanford University study as RateBeer users who are assigned the highest experience level based on volume of reviews and how their ratings compare to other "experts." Click here to learn more about the methodology.
#14 Deschutes Brewery's The Abyss
From the Deschutes brewery in Bend, Oregon, The Abyss was given 4.243 stars out of five by expert reviewers.
A dark Russian Imperial Stout, this beer has hints of molasses and licorice, and has won numerous awards for being one of the best beers in America.
Ratings on RateBeer are out of 5, and factor in aroma, appearance, taste, palate, and an overall score. "Experts" are defined by the Stanford University study as RateBeer users who are assigned the highest experience level based on volume of reviews and how their ratings compare to other "experts." Click here to learn more about the methodology.
#13 Surly's Darkness
Another Russian Imperial Stout, Surly Brewing Company's Darkness was rated 4.254 out of five stars by experts on RateBeer.
Brewed in Minnesota's Brooklyn Center, the dark, chocolatey brew has 9.8% alcohol by volume and is only brewed in the month of October.
Ratings on RateBeer are out of 5, and factor in aroma, appearance, taste, palate, and an overall score. "Experts" are defined by the Stanford University study as RateBeer users who are assigned the highest experience level based on volume of reviews and how their ratings compare to other "experts." Click here to learn more about the methodology.
#12 Westvleteren's Extra 8
Sold in a dark brown bottle with no label and a blue cap, Westvleteren's Extra 8 was rated 4.267 by RateBeer experts.
The Belgian Strong Ale is brewed in Westvleteren, Belgium by the monks of Trappist Abbey of Saint Sixtus of Westvleteren, and is only sold in small quantities from the doors of the monastery itself.
RRatings on RateBeer are out of 5, and factor in aroma, appearance, taste, palate, and an overall score. "Experts" are defined by the Stanford University study as RateBeer users who are assigned the highest experience level based on volume of reviews and how their ratings compare to other "experts." Click here to learn more about the methodology.
#11 Russian River's Supplication
Russian River Brewing Co.'s Supplication is a Sour Ale that was rated 4.275 out of five by RateBeer experts.
It's aged in used Pinot Noir barrels from local Sonoma County wineries for 12 months with sour cherries, and has a lot of carbonation with a tart, complex flavor.
Ratings on RateBeer are out of 5, and factor in aroma, appearance, taste, palate, and an overall score. "Experts" are defined by the Stanford University study as RateBeer users who are assigned the highest experience level based on volume of reviews and how their ratings compare to other "experts." Click here to learn more about the methodology.
#10 Hair of the Dog's Adam
Hair of the Dog brewery's Adam Traditional Ale is brewed in Portland, Oregon and rated 4.277 out of five stars.
It's a recreation of a historic beer style from Dortmund, Germany, and was brewed in memory of Adam Kerchival who the beer was named after.
Ratings on RateBeer are out of 5, and factor in aroma, appearance, taste, palate, and an overall score. "Experts" are defined by the Stanford University study as RateBeer users who are assigned the highest experience level based on volume of reviews and how their ratings compare to other "experts." Click here to learn more about the methodology.
#9 Goose Island's Bourbon County Stout
Rated 4.283 out of five by experts on RateBeer, this Imperial Stout is brewed in Chicago at the Goose Island brewery.
It's aged for two years in 18-year-old bourbon barrels, and has chocolate undertones with 13% alcohol by volume.
Ratings on RateBeer are out of 5, and factor in aroma, appearance, taste, palate, and an overall score. "Experts" are defined by the Stanford University study as RateBeer users who are assigned the highest experience level based on volume of reviews and how their ratings compare to other "experts." Click here to learn more about the methodology.
#8 Russian River's Temptation
This Sour Ale from Russian River Brewing Co. was rated 4.284 out of 5 by RateBeer experts.
Temptation is brewed at the Russian River Santa Rosa, California brewery, and is a blonde ale aged for 9 to 15 months in Chardonnay barrels for a tart, medium-bodied brew.
Ratings on RateBeer are out of 5, and factor in aroma, appearance, taste, palate, and an overall score. "Experts" are defined by the Stanford University study as RateBeer users who are assigned the highest experience level based on volume of reviews and how their ratings compare to other "experts." Click here to learn more about the methodology.
#7 Russian River's Pliny the Elder
This fresh-flavored Double India Pale Ale from Russian River Brewing Co. was rated 4.289 out of five by RateBeer expert users.
It's a blend of citrus, pine, and fresh hops, and has become something of a legend around the country for its balanced taste and dry finish.
Ratings on RateBeer are out of 5, and factor in aroma, appearance, taste, palate, and an overall score. "Experts" are defined by the Stanford University study as RateBeer users who are assigned the highest experience level based on volume of reviews and how their ratings compare to other "experts." Click here to learn more about the methodology.
#6 Founders Brewing Co.'s KBS (Kentucky Breakfast Stout)
This Imperial Stout from Founders Brewing Co. is made in Grand Rapids, Michigan and rated 4.29 stars out of five by experts on RateBeer.
It's brewed with coffee and chocolates to give it a very dark, rich flavor, and cave-aged in oak bourbon barrels.
Ratings on RateBeer are out of 5, and factor in aroma, appearance, taste, palate, and an overall score. "Experts" are defined by the Stanford University study as RateBeer users who are assigned the highest experience level based on volume of reviews and how their ratings compare to other "experts." Click here to learn more about the methodology.
#5 Three Floyds Brewing's Dreadnaught Imperial IPA
Three Floyds Brewing's Dreadnaught beer is made in Munster, Indiana and was rated 4.3 out of five by RateBeer experts.
This extremely hoppy ale has a complex flavor profile that includes overtones of mango and peach aromas to keep it from tasting too bitter.
Ratings on RateBeer are out of 5, and factor in aroma, appearance, taste, palate, and an overall score. "Experts" are defined by the Stanford University study as RateBeer users who are assigned the highest experience level based on volume of reviews and how their ratings compare to other "experts." Click here to learn more about the methodology.
#4 Bell's Expedition Stout
This Bell's Brewery Imperial Stout is made in Kalamazoo, Michigan and was rated 4.34 out of five stars.
It's a pitch black brew that has a brown head, and a roasted coffee aroma for a sweet, malty flavor.
Ratings on RateBeer are out of 5, and factor in aroma, appearance, taste, palate, and an overall score. "Experts" are defined by the Stanford University study as RateBeer users who are assigned the highest experience level based on volume of reviews and how their ratings compare to other "experts." Click here to learn more about the methodology.
#3 AleSmith's Speedway Stout
Brewed in San Diego, Calif. at the AleSmith Brewing Company, Sweedway Stout is an Imperial Stout that was rated 4.372 out of five by RateBeer experts.
With 12% alcohol by volume, this full-bodied beer was brewed with coffee for an added kick, and is a strong, toasted beer.
Ratings on RateBeer are out of 5, and factor in aroma, appearance, taste, palate, and an overall score. "Experts" are defined by the Stanford University study as RateBeer users who are assigned the highest experience level based on volume of reviews and how their ratings compare to other "experts." Click here to learn more about the methodology.
#2 Three Floyds Brewing's Dark Lord Russian Imperial Stout
One of Three Floyds Brewing's most famous beers, Dark Lord is a Russian Stout that's brewed with coffee, molasses, and honey. It's rated 4.279 stars by RateBeer experts.
Dark Lord is only sold on "Dark Lord Day," or the last Saturday of April. Only 6,000 bottles are made, and customers have to buy pre-sold tickets due to past crowd control problems.
Ratings on RateBeer are out of 5, and factor in aroma, appearance, taste, palate, and an overall score. "Experts" are defined by the Stanford University study as RateBeer users who are assigned the highest experience level based on volume of reviews and how their ratings compare to other "experts." Click here to learn more about the methodology.
#1 Westvleteren's 12
And the #1 rated beer on RateBeer according to experts is Westvleteren's 12 with a 4.499 out of five rating.
Brewed by the monks of Trappist Abbey of Saint Sixtus of Westvleteren in Belgium and sold weekly from the doors of the monastery, 12 has no label with a simple yellow cap.
The only ingredients are yeast, hops, malt, sugar, caramel, and water.
Ratings on RateBeer are out of 5, and factor in aroma, appearance, taste, palate, and an overall score. "Experts" are defined by the Stanford University study as RateBeer users who are assigned the highest experience level based on volume of reviews and how their ratings compare to other "experts." Click here to learn more about the methodology.
