Tod Mott is widely regarded as one of the best brewers in New England.

It's a reputation he's built on big beers, first at Harpoon, where his India pale ale quickly went from a summer seasonal to that brewery's most popular year-round product, and most recently at Back Bay Brewing Co., where his fire-red beard, down-to-earth attitude and full-flavored beers are hallmarks.

Of all the beers Mott has brewed over the years (a stint at Commonwealth Brewing Co. included), few are darker, stronger or more aggressive than the annual winter release Boston Strangler Stout, a Russian imperial stout on tap in February.

The menacingly black and intoxicating Russian imperial ...