Brooklyn Brewery Black Chocolate Stout

[FedoraDave]

This is a limited bottling for Winter 2013/14, so if you're a stout fan, you might want to be on the lookout for this before it's gone.

Let me preface this review by stating up front that I'm not a big fan of stouts. That being said, I think I can recognize a well-made beer when I taste it.

Last night I tasted it.

I employed an aggressive center pour into a dimpled mug, and watched the head crown just over the rim, a good 2" thick, and a dark tan, the color of latte. The aroma was malty, with touches of caramel, chocolate, and coffee. The mouthfeel is thick, but not heavy; very malty and "chewy"; substantial.

The flavor, as befits a stout, is malty; not a strong hop presence. A very pleasing mixture of roasted malt, with touches of the same caramel, chocolate, and coffee. I'm sorry to say I didn't allow it to warm as much as this beer deserves, but even at temperatures lower than optimum, it's got a lot of pleasant flavors in a good balance.

This stout is one more example of the quality beers Brooklyn Brewery puts forth. These people know what they're doing, and their reputation is well-deserved. If you want a very good stout to enjoy by the fire after a big holiday meal, this will put you in a mellow mood.

[Beer-lord]

I've had lots of stouts that I just don't like but when a good one comes along, you know it.
We can only get a few of Brooklyn's beers here but I'm going to look for this one.

[FedoraDave]

I don't know how widespread the distribution of this is, since it's a limited run recipe, but if you do happen across it, it's worth it. If a guy like me, who would order almost anything before ordering a stout, likes it, it's got a lot going for it. And, as I said in my review, it's well-made, whether you care for the style or not. You have to recognize a job well done, after all.