These stubby, little 8-oz cans from Flat12 Bierwerks are a first

Indianapolis brewery Flat12 Bierwerks is taking beer cans where few beverages have gone before — little, adorable stub cans. Flat12 announced the mid-July release of its limited edition brew, Pinko! The fan favorite Russian Imperial Stout (10.5 percent ABV) is now available in 8-ounce stubby cans — a craft beer industry first – according to Flat12. The stout is released only twice a year in limited quantities. Once in mid-July for Flat12’s annual Christmas In July tapping event and once in November for its Black Friday barrel-aged beer roll.

“We first introduced Pinko! in limited quantities on draft, and then in four-packs of 12-ounce bottles. This year, we’re introducing the beer in six-packs of 8-ounce cans. When creating this package and design, we wanted to make something as unique and epic as the beer itself,” said Marketing Director Valerie Green.

Boozy, roasty and pure evil, Pinko! Russian Imperial Stout is nothing to be trifled with. This beer pours black with a tan head and a roasted malt aroma, with hints of chocolate, coffee and caramel. The rich stout flavor features a slight smokiness and sweet hints of molasses and toffee. Brewed to age. Brewed for barrels. In Soviet Russia, you don’t drink Imperial Stouts, Imperial Stouts drink you.

Fans can find the limited specialty beer in cans around Indianapolis, and it will be available at both Flat12 Taprooms. Pinko! will be available through the end of July and will be followed by the release Flat Jack Pumpkin Ale in August and Lacto-Matic Milk Stout, available in November.

Flat12 brews can be found on shelves and on draft throughout Indiana and Louisville, as well as at their Indianapolis brewery and Jeffersonville, Ind., taproom. Flat12’s seasonal releases join the brewery’s four year-round beers — Half Cycle IPA, available in 16-ounce cans, 12-ounce bottles and draft — Upside Down Blonde, available in 16-ounce cans, 12-ounce bottles and draft — Walkabout Pale Ale, available in 12-ounce bottles and draft — Pogue’s Run Porter, available in 12-ounce bottles and draft.