Poured from 22 oz. brown bomber into Brooklyn Brewery snifter
Poured from a 22 oz. brown bomber into a Brooklyn Brewery snifter. This stout settles jet black and looks solid as a rock. A small espresso-tan head forms but dissipates quickly. Thick with good carbonation. The lacing is small but somewhat sticky. This just begs for a whiff.
Yeast comes first up to the nose. Then a deep, bitter chocolate maltiness. Very smoky and roasty. Notes of nuts, toasted bread, and a nice sourness overtop. Carmel, a bit candied, maybe cherries or brandied cherries. Malt dominates this dark, deeply inviting stout. Let’s take a dive.
First taste is bitter, very nutty. A subtle malt sweetness, a bit like plum, comes sneaking up followed by a bitter, smoky, espresso aftertaste. This is such a well-executed beer. So balanced. No single flavor outshines the others. The taste is so subtle, a magnificent blend. So mellow for 8.1% ABV. The light bitterness beckons you back with every sip.
And so smooth too! It’s striking how graceful it feels. Thick, but not too much so, not light, not heavy. Drinks like a dream. Just the right carbonation. A very dangerous and delicious stout.
This is a treat. Not too sweet like some stouts, this Big Bear Black Stout is right on the money of what a solid stout should be. No gimmicks. This is a beer lover’s brew. A-, and on The Drunkards Progress Scale, “STEP 5: The summit attained / Jolly companions / A confirmed drunkard”. This is fast becoming a go-to choice. The 8.1% ABV seems like some ridiculous yarn when this bear gets its claws in you.
