Virtual Craft Beer Tasting Club » Discussions

Stout Craft Beer Tasting January 2nd - 8th 2012

• Mark

  

  Leader
   

  January 1, 2012

  The Stout Craft Beer Tasting runs from January 2nd - January 8th. Please post your reviews below. Feel free to drink whatever you have on hand or can find locally. Any iteration of Stout (Dry Stout, Oatmeal Stout, Imperial Stout, Milk Stout, Coffee stout, Chocolate Stout, Oyster stout, etc.) may be tasted. Some choices might include; Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout, Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout, Black Albert, Founders Breakfast Stout, Creme Brulee Imperial Milk Stout, Beer Geek Breakfast, St Ambroise Oatmeal Stout, B.O.R.I.S. & Parabola.

  The Stout Craft Beer Tasting runs from January 2nd - January 8th. Please post your reviews below. Feel free to drink whatever you have on hand or can find locally. Any iteration of Stout (Dry Stout, Oatmeal Stout, Imperial Stout, Milk Stout, Coffee stout, Chocolate Stout, Oyster stout, etc.) may be tasted. Some choices might include; Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout, Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout, Black Albert, Founders Breakfast Stout, Creme Brulee Imperial Milk Stout, Beer Geek Breakfast, St Ambroise Oatmeal Stout, B.O.R.I.S. & Parabola.
• KajII

  

  Member
   

  January 2, 2012

  I had quite a few Stouts for NYE and paid the price dearly the next day, it looks like I am first this time.
  
  I would like to thank Paul for this very TASTY brew.
  
  Central Waters “Satin Solstice’
  Central Water Brewing Company – Amherst, Wisconsin USA
  Imperial Stout (ABV 7.5%)
  
  [Best served in a Snifter]
  
  Rating: 3.8/5.0
  
  Aroma: 7/10
  Appearance: 3/5
  Taste: 8/10
  Palate: 4/5
  Overall: 16/20
  
  
  The pour was a rich deep dark black with an average sized (1-2 finger) light brown frothy head that lasted just a little while but left behind just enough residue to create some excellent lacing that sheeted the glass.
  
  The aroma was of a burnt dark bread malt, a very mild herbal hop and a chewy bitter leathery yeast with notes of dark chocolate, roasted coffee, molasses and a mild scent of alcohol.
  
  The taste was lightly sweet and malty with a nice chocolate note and a touch of molasses early on the progressed to a slightly bitter yet still sweet flavor with a nice strong coffee note and a mild alcohol finish. The flavor laid on the taste buds for a good long time letting the sweet warming coffee taste to be fully enjoyed.
  
  Mouthfeel was full and bold in body with the texture being creamy yet a little dry and having a soft carbonation.
  
  Overall an exceptionally balanced brew with the high alcohol content blending so well with all of the flavors, that it is barely noticeable other than a warming sensation at the end.
  

  I had quite a few Stouts for NYE and paid the price dearly the next day, it looks like I am first this time. I would like to thank Paul for this very TASTY brew. Central Waters “Satin Solstice’ Central Water Brewing Company – Amherst, Wisconsin USA Imperial Stout (ABV 7.5%) [Best served in a Snifter] Rating: 3.8/5.0 Aroma: 7/10 Appearance: 3/5 Taste: 8/10 Palate: 4/5 Overall: 16/20 The pour was a rich deep dark black with an average sized (1-2 finger) light brown frothy head that lasted just a little while but left behind just enough residue to create some excellent lacing that sheeted the glass. The aroma was of a burnt dark bread malt, a very mild herbal hop and a chewy bitter leathery yeast with notes of dark chocolate, roasted coffee, molasses and a mild scent of alcohol. The taste was lightly sweet and malty with a nice chocolate note and a touch of molasses early on the progressed to a slightly bitter yet still sweet flavor with a nice strong coffee note and a mild alcohol finish. The flavor laid on the taste buds for a good long time letting the sweet warming coffee taste to be fully enjoyed. Mouthfeel was full and bold in body with the texture being creamy yet a little dry and having a soft carbonation. Overall an exceptionally balanced brew with the high alcohol content blending so well with all of the flavors, that it is barely noticeable other than a warming sensation at the end.
• Mark

  

  Leader
   

  January 2, 2012

  Terrapin Moo-Hoo Chocolate Milk Stout
  2011 Seasonal
  Terrapin Beer Company, Athens, Georgia
  12 ounce bottle, 6.0% ABV, 30 IBU
  
  Thanks to Jason for sending me this Moo-Hoo Chocolate Milk Stout from Terrapin Beer in Athens, GA. Moo-Hoo is brewed with cocoa nibs and shells from Olive and Sinclair Chocolate Company.
  
  Moo-Hoo Chocolate Milk Stout pours out pitch black in color with no light getting through and is topped with a one finger, deep tan colored head that reduces down to a finely bubbled collar. On the nose, big chocolate aromas, mostly milk chocolate and bittersweet chocolate, with roast grain, milk and a little molasses sweetness. The big chocolate nose carries through to the taste. Roasted grains come through but they are not overly bitter. Some cocoa in a very smooth, full bodied craft beer. Spotty lacing on the glass. Slightly viscous, creamy mouthfeel. Fine carbonation. A really long finish that has a persistent creaminess to it and is packed with chocolate flavor.
  
  Indeed, as the bottle says, "Enjoy it... 'Til the cows come home."

  Terrapin Moo-Hoo Chocolate Milk Stout 2011 Seasonal Terrapin Beer Company, Athens, Georgia 12 ounce bottle, 6.0% ABV, 30 IBU Thanks to Jason for sending me this Moo-Hoo Chocolate Milk Stout from Terrapin Beer in Athens, GA. Moo-Hoo is brewed with cocoa nibs and shells from Olive and Sinclair Chocolate Company. Moo-Hoo Chocolate Milk Stout pours out pitch black in color with no light getting through and is topped with a one finger, deep tan colored head that reduces down to a finely bubbled collar. On the nose, big chocolate aromas, mostly milk chocolate and bittersweet chocolate, with roast grain, milk and a little molasses sweetness. The big chocolate nose carries through to the taste. Roasted grains come through but they are not overly bitter. Some cocoa in a very smooth, full bodied craft beer. Spotty lacing on the glass. Slightly viscous, creamy mouthfeel. Fine carbonation. A really long finish that has a persistent creaminess to it and is packed with chocolate flavor. Indeed, as the bottle says, "Enjoy it... 'Til the cows come home."
• KajII

  

  Member
   

  January 2, 2012

  I will get to the Moo-Hoo this week, I hope. So many to choose from "life is good"

  I will get to the Moo-Hoo this week, I hope. So many to choose from "life is good"
• KajII

  

  Member
   

  January 2, 2012

  I bought this mixed box because of the Chocolate Bock, but I have to say this one is right up there, may even be better. Too close to say....
  
  Samuel Adams "Black & Brew"
  Boston Beer Company - Boston, Massachusetts USA
  Stout (ABV 5.8%)
  
  [Best served in a English pint]
  
  Rating: 3.4/5.0
  
  Aroma: 7/10
  Appearance: 4/5
  Taste: 7/10
  Palate: 3/5
  Overall: 13/20
  
  The pour was a thick rich deep black with an average sized (1-2 finger) rocky light to medium brown head that was mostly diminishing with just a bit of residue left behind creating some fair lacing.
  
  The aroma was of a burnt dark bread malt and a meaty leathery yeast with notes of roasted coffee, dark chocolate, molasses and had a mild smoky odor.
  
  The taste was sweetly smooth and slightly malty with a hint of molasses and chocolate at first with the finish being a tad bitterer with a nice strong coffee note and a touch of smoke at the end. The flavor lingered for a good long time with a mild taste of smoke taking over by the time it faded.
  
  Mouthfeel was medium to full in body with the texture being a bit oily and a tad creamy with a soft almost flat carbonation.
  
  Overall a brew that starts out a little mild and weak, but finishes with a nice strong robust smoky coffee flavor.

  I bought this mixed box because of the Chocolate Bock, but I have to say this one is right up there, may even be better. Too close to say.... Samuel Adams "Black & Brew" Boston Beer Company - Boston, Massachusetts USA Stout (ABV 5.8%) [Best served in a English pint] Rating: 3.4/5.0 Aroma: 7/10 Appearance: 4/5 Taste: 7/10 Palate: 3/5 Overall: 13/20 The pour was a thick rich deep black with an average sized (1-2 finger) rocky light to medium brown head that was mostly diminishing with just a bit of residue left behind creating some fair lacing. The aroma was of a burnt dark bread malt and a meaty leathery yeast with notes of roasted coffee, dark chocolate, molasses and had a mild smoky odor. The taste was sweetly smooth and slightly malty with a hint of molasses and chocolate at first with the finish being a tad bitterer with a nice strong coffee note and a touch of smoke at the end. The flavor lingered for a good long time with a mild taste of smoke taking over by the time it faded. Mouthfeel was medium to full in body with the texture being a bit oily and a tad creamy with a soft almost flat carbonation. Overall a brew that starts out a little mild and weak, but finishes with a nice strong robust smoky coffee flavor.
• Mark

  

  Leader
   

  January 2, 2012

  Sam Adams has been doing a great job with their specialty beers.

  Sam Adams has been doing a great job with their specialty beers.
• KajII

  

  Member
   

  January 2, 2012

  I agree, I used to think of them as a macro-micro brewery and did not respect them much. But lately they have got my attention and respect.

  I agree, I used to think of them as a macro-micro brewery and did not respect them much. But lately they have got my attention and respect.
• Mark

  

  Leader
   

  January 2, 2012

  I think quite a few people thought that and they upped and made some great craft beer. Props to them!

  I think quite a few people thought that and they upped and made some great craft beer. Props to them!
• bobkur

  

  Member
   

  January 2, 2012

  I received a bottle of Stone Belgo Anise Imperial Russian Stout brewed by Stone Brewing Company for Christmas (my family loves me…). Here’s what I found: Appearance: Jet black with a tan head, some light lacing Smell: Heavy instant overtones of licorice, followed hints of burnt malts, chocolate, coffee, and other sweet aromas. Taste: The anise is immediate and obvious, but not overpowering. - kind of tastes like black jellybean , but then blends quickly with flavors of, chocolate, coffee, burnt and roasted malts. Mouthfeel: Heavy, smooth, nicely carbonated I thoroughly enjoyed this beer. This is not an all night beverage, but it is an excellent, festive after dinner stout.

  I received a bottle of Stone Belgo Anise Imperial Russian Stout brewed by Stone Brewing Company for Christmas (my family loves me…). Here’s what I found: Appearance: Jet black with a tan head, some light lacing Smell: Heavy instant overtones of licorice, followed hints of burnt malts, chocolate, coffee, and other sweet aromas. Taste: The anise is immediate and obvious, but not overpowering. - kind of tastes like black jellybean , but then blends quickly with flavors of, chocolate, coffee, burnt and roasted malts. Mouthfeel: Heavy, smooth, nicely carbonated I thoroughly enjoyed this beer. This is not an all night beverage, but it is an excellent, festive after dinner stout.
• CraftBeerLove619

  

  Member
   

  January 2, 2012

  Had the Stone Belgo on NYE from a one liter growler fill (stone store less than a 5 minute drive) and it was delicious. I have some amazing stouts in my fridge right now, so I will have to crack one for my birthday beer tomorrow and give my review. Cheers!

  Had the Stone Belgo on NYE from a one liter growler fill (stone store less than a 5 minute drive) and it was delicious. I have some amazing stouts in my fridge right now, so I will have to crack one for my birthday beer tomorrow and give my review. Cheers!