Surly Darkness

Tasting Notes

Darkness pours with an aroma built around dark chocolate, roasted coffee, dried dark fruit, and a subtle undercurrent of vanilla and bourbon-like warmth. On the palate it's dense and chewy, with layers of bittersweet cocoa, molasses, and fig working against a sharp roast backbone. The body is full and almost viscous, coating the mouth without becoming syrupy. The finish is long and warming, with lingering bitter roast and just enough alcohol heat to remind you this is a serious beer.

About the Brewery

Surly Brewing is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and was founded in 2006 by Omar Ansari. The brewery played a pivotal role in changing Minnesota law to allow craft breweries to sell directly to consumers on-site — a legislative shift that became known as the 'Surly Bill.' They're known for aggressive, hop-forward ales and big dark beers, and Darkness in particular has developed a strong cult following with its annual release.

Food Pairings

A dense chocolate brownie or flourless chocolate cake matches the beer's cocoa bitterness without competing with it. Aged cheddar or a sharp blue cheese provides enough salt and funk to cut through the thick body. Braised short ribs work well because the beer's roast and dark fruit notes mirror the caramelized meat. A scoop of vanilla ice cream floated in the glass is a low-effort dessert pairing that softens the alcohol heat considerably.

Style Guide

Russian Imperial Stout was originally brewed in England in the 18th century at high strength to survive export to the Russian Imperial Court. The style is defined by its very high ABV — typically 9–13% — and an intense concentration of roasted malt character that produces flavors of dark chocolate, espresso, molasses, and dark dried fruit. The body is full and often viscous. It differs from an export stout or standard stout mainly in sheer intensity and alcoholic strength, and it frequently benefits from cellaring, which softens harsh edges and develops complexity over time.