The Czar brew was a decent beer that I had last year, which quickly sold out in this area. I grabbed one from the liquor store when I saw this years batch was available on Friday.
This is the most appropriate glass that I can find in the house right now, I think it might be different in a goblet type glass. Poured from the liter bottle with the flip-top cap, which I've had problems with in the past (not keeping carbonation, results are awful) but this time there is a pop when I get the cap off.
It's a really dark inky color, even when I tip it over and hold it up the the light, there is hardly anything coming through. I poured light and a big head foamed up, which falls back pretty quick. It smells like roasted malt and I can pick up a hint of the bourbon but none of the alcohol. First taste is bitter and toasty and finishes with a strong bourbon taste. The beer seems light with respect to mouthfeel compared to other RIS's that I've had, but on the plus side, is balanced with a lot of hop bitterness and malt taste to counter the bourbon.
I made a homebrew last winter in the same style (huge imperial stout, put oak chips in it, with a pint of makers mark) and I think I prefer that one. I think the goose island reserve from last year (bourbon RIS) was better too. Both of those were "bigger".