Few breweries are as dedicated to the art of Dark Beer as Fort George Brewery. 

This crew is so serious about Stouts that they’ve designated the entire month of February to the style. Not only that, but they’re also responsible for one of the most anticipated annual beer fests in the Pacific Northwest: The Festival of Dark Arts.

For fans in-the-know, the event known as “the world’s darkest beer festival” is also the harbinger of Fort George’s biggest barrel-aged bottle release of the year: Matryoshka Russian Imperial Stout.

Today’s 2021 vintage of Matryoshka is extra special. The brewers aged it in a blend of Buffalo Trace Bourbon and Westward Whiskey barrels for a whole year. Then, they took it a step further with massive additions of sweet vanilla, cocoa nibs, warming cinnamon, and juicy red raspberries.

The luscious leviathan pours black as ink, jetting off aromas of rich baker’s chocolate and raspberry filling in all directions. With every sip, the thick and chewy mouthfeel carries flavors of artisanal raspberry chocolate truffles across the palate. A drizzle of vanilla icing and a sprinkle of cinnamon spice materialize midway through, before fading to notes of oaky bourbon and dark roast espresso in the base.

Normally, finding this coveted concoction of Stout mastery outside of Washington and Oregon is nearly impossible. But today, as a rare treat, you have the chance to make Matryoshka your own.

Tavour strictly supports independent beer. Fort George Brewery is certified independent by the Brewers Association