97 Brooklyn Black Ops Stout, The Brooklyn Brewery (NY). 10.7% ABV (1/10)
Opaque brown black color with fine saffron tan mousse. Lavish aromas of fruity buttery caramel, honeyed nuts, molasses and vanilla bespeak bourbon barrels and follow through on a rich, decadent entry to a fruity full body with spicy fruitcake and cherry cordial notes. Finishes with a long, chewy and evolving caramelized nut and grain fade. A dangerously delicious stout.
92 Swashbuckler Stout, Harmon Brewing Co. (WA). 8.3% ABV (1/09) %{Brewpub}
Deep brown black. Dark roasted nut and berry piecrust aromas follow through on a chewy entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-full body with mashed raisin, cigar box and rum cake-like notes. Finishes with a tangy citrus marmalade, soy and chocolate-accented fade. A big and nicely balanced wood-aged stout.
92 Chocolate Indulgence Stout, Brewery Ommegang (NY). 7% ABV (1/09)
Dark crown black color with a dark tan head. Rich artisan chocolate and dried fruit aromas follow through on a smooth, silky entry to a fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body with sweet citrus and honeyed apple notes. Finishes in a tangy, refreshing bittersweet chocolate and bubbly fruit piecrust fade with vibrant acidity and astringency. Excellent.
89 Double Chocolate Stout, Wells & Young’s Brewing Co. Ltd. (England). 5.2% ABV (1/09)
Brown color. Light, crisp chocolate phosphate aromas and flavors with a touch of cherry jam. Finishes with a crisp refreshing dark lager-like fade. A solid quaffer.
89 Chocolate Stout, Rogue Ales (OR). 6% ABV (1/10)
Opaque brown black color with a light brown head. Dimensional melted chocolate-drizzled raisin aromas follow through on a soft, smooth entry to a lively dryish medium-to-full body with firm roasted grain and nut notes. Finishes with a long, lightly astringent baker’s chocolate and baked citrusy hops. Very nice.
87 Double Black Stout with Coffee, Red Hook Brewery (WA). 7% ABV (1/09)
Brownish black color. Mild café Americano aromas follow through on a brisk entry to a dryish medium-to-full body with nut skin, peppercorn and cocoa notes. Finishes with mild creamy fade.
86 Campfire Coffee Stout, Bastone Brewery (MI). 6.5% ABV (1/10) %{Brewpub}
Aromas of smoky roasted jalapeños and coffee grounds follow through on a round, forceful entry to a dryish medium-full body with focused flavors and a mildly astringent coffee and cocoa fade.
84 Harv’s Wild Plum Stout, Deschutes Brewery (OR). 8% ABV (1/09)
Brown black color. Grape soda and chocolate milkshake aromas follow through on a round, supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with tangy plum pie and raisin notes. Finishes with quick nut skin and cocoa dust fade.
83 Atomic Espresso Stout, John Harvard’s Brew House, Framingham (MA). 5% ABV (1/09) %{Brewpub}
Dark brown color. Earthy, oil-roasted nuts and mossy moldy reed and leather aroma and flavors, and a tangy lemon spritz and spent coffee grounds fade.
Leave a Reply