Stone Brewing Co. announced the 2011 vintage of its Stone Imperial Russian Stout is available. In addition, the brewery also created Stone Belgo Anise Imperial Russian Stout. This is the 11th release of Stone Imperial Russian Stout, which is described as full-bodied with a malt-heavy taste that has coffee and dark-roasted malt flavors in the forefront, subtle yeastiness mid-palate and hops on the back end, the company says. The Stone Belgo Anise Imperial Russian Stout is part of the brewery’s Odd Beers for Odd Years program, which introduces “odd” versions of classic beers every other year, the company says. This release begins as the rich, dark intensely aromatic Stone Imperial Russian Stout, but is fermented with a Belgian yeast strain and tweaked with star anise and oak chips that add a blend of vanilla and licorice notes to the palate, it says. Both beers are available in 22-ounce bottles and on draft.

Stone Brewing Co., Escondido, Calif.

Telephone: 760/471-4999

Internet: www.stonebrew.com

Distribution: Select markets