For the second week in a row I headed to the package store hoping to find a brew based in coffee or espresso. And for the second time in two weeks, my hopes were powerbombed. Am I asking for too much? Is it unreasonable to think that I deserve a beer that tastes of coffee? Hell, I’ve dreamed of drinking such a liquid since 1996 and I’ll be damned if this fight is over.
With that being said, it’s still Friday and there’s no way I was going home without a few cold ones in tow. Desiring a beverage with rich flavor and full body, I quickly came to the determination that tonight’s review would showcase some sort of stout. With nothing more than the sheer will of the Force guiding my hand, I was able to select a (presumably) suitable four-pack.
Tonight, I bathe my palate in the Brooklyn Brewery’s Black Chocolate Stout. Right after popping off the cap, I realized that the bottleneck’s label reads,
Our Black Chocolate Stout, brewed once yearly for the winter season, achieves a chocolate aroma and flavor through the artful blending of six varieties of black, chocolate and roasted malts.
Hrm. After seeing this description, I began thinking too much and worrying about my decision. “What is the label trying to say? That the beer blends chocolate and roasted malts, or some malts that are chocolate in nature and some that are roasted? Is this thing going to end up tasting like a fucking milkshake? What have I got myself into?”
Only one way to find out – taste time.
I poured the Black Chocolate Stout into a beer-drankin’ glass, purposely neglecting proper technique in the hopes of producing a thick head. Unfortunately, the there was hardly even a centimeter of the foamy good stuff – I’m not sure if this means I botched the pour or if it is the design of the stout, but I’d probably bet on the former. In any case, when poured into the glass the beer resembled 2001’s obelisk; I found myself worshipping at the glory of the darkened form. In case you haven’t been able to tell, I’m kind of a sucker for darker alcohol-sodas.
From the aroma alone, I totally agree with the description of this liquid as a Black Chocolate Stout – there is a slightly sweet smell, not unlike dark chocolate. This scent didn’t jump out of the glass, but was readily detected when actively smelling.
On the journey towards my gut, the brew left a smooth impression during its recess in my mouth. The stout was so smooth that I realized that I was encountering the twofold problem of drinking it quicker than intended. First, I simply wasn’t enjoying the flavor for all its worth. Secondly, with a ten-percent ABV, I was running the risk of feeling too warm and fuzzy. With some stout still in my mouthed, I decided to breathe in deeply – maybe I imagined it, but I’m fairly sure that I could feel the alcohol vapors hitting my brain tissue. The Brooklyn Brewery’s winter seasonal is most assuredly a strong concoction.
Slowing down, I was able to pick up some of the more subtle notes hidden within Black Chocolate Stout. When I pushed past the aroma, I began to perceive the liquid as having a taste akin to lightly toasted bread. There is a nearly subliminal message of bitterness, but one that can appreciated as in a nice cup of black coffee.
Perhaps I’m becoming too much of a daydreamer, but I think that I would like to drink Black Chocolate Stout during a holiday dessert. Flavorful in and of itself, I think the beer would be a perfect compliment to tiramisu or maybe even just a stack of cookies.
Also worth noting is the fact that I’ve read some accounts of this brew improving with age. Maybe I’ll stash one away for the time being and add a comment to this post a year or so. (Remember, I said maybe).
Grading Black Chocolate Stout numerically, I think it gets an 89.5%.
Fuck it, I’m feeling generous: A-
Tags: Black Chocolate Stout, Brooklyn Brewery, Drinking with tiramisu, Friday Brew Review, MTV The Head, The Drew Carey Show
I enjoyed this review. I lost it when I read the tags though.
Dude I tried that a few weeks back, besides it costing almost $2 a bottle, it was great. Like chocolate vodka.
Ha. I totally called the Buzz Beer craving. I don’t even like beer (I try! It doesn’t work!) but I constantly think that I would like to Stay Up… And Get Drunk All Over Again.
Very excited to try this when I am off the pneumonia antibiotic’s haha. Brooklyn always has amazing beer so I am not surprised they have nailed this one.
Also as far as coffee flavoring goes, a few weeks back I was at a friends place at school and she had Cafe Patron which was amazing, its Patron with Coffee Liqueur in it. Definitely want to buy some and try it with some hot chocolate or something
Left Hand makes a Milk Stout that might be what you’re looking for.
@CGould – Yeah, I’ve heard of Cafe Patron and may go try to find me some. When I realized the store didn’t have any coffee-beer, I considered going the route of coffee-liquor; if I can’t find any beer with coffee flavor I may just go that route.
@The Dude – very interesting. Do you happen to know any local places that carry it?
@Eli – The Buzz Beer slogan is hilarious. As far as not enjoying beer, I’m going to offer the same advice I offer to everyone I encounter who doesn’t enjoy the taste.
First, go into the tasting expecting a some bitterness. I truly believe that I didn’t like beer for the longest time because every time I tried it, I was expecting something sweet like soda or something.
Secondly, try a whole bunch of different brews. Not that you fit into this category, but I feel as though a lot of people try a regular Budweiser when they’re fourteen years old, spit it out, and decide that all beer is gross. Although I think it’s kind of shady, many stores sell single bottles – go on a limb a try one out some time.
mybe someday drew carey will really make buzz beer and it will be awesome.
I’ve seen Left Hand products in a few stores in the Woburn and Beverly area. I know they import to Mass … not like those Yueng Ling bastards who hoard their delicious product and force me to drive to New York or New Jersey to enjoy. Or those fine, yet cock-teasing jerk-offs at Duck-Rabbit. They are only in North Carolina, yet came up for a Beer-Fest. Presumably to enchant us with their magic brews so they can enjoy our drugs and sleep with our women … that’s the back story I made up, gives the story some spice.
Then there is Arrogant Bastard Ale … that shit sucked, but I love its marketing campaign.
If you ever find yourself in western MA do yourself a favor and stop in the Paper City Brewery. It’s in Holyoke (vortex football toss away from Amherst) and on Friday nights it’s five bucks a cup for unlimited beer from 6-9. Live music, fresh beer, tours available good stuff. Anyway, last time I was there they were also giving out four packs on the way out the door and I believe they have perfected the Coffee/Beer. Needless to say, four of those had me running around like Chris Farley in Tijuana.
Coincidentally, I bought a four pack of this last Monday. It was a bit overwhelming the first sip, but got easier to drink from there on out. Definitely a sipping beer to be enjoyed once in a while (for me).
Have you tried Coopers Stout? I think it tastes like espresso, though I’m no beer connoiseur (sp). I’m bringing it in next week. I haven’t had the Brooklyn personally – but to me – Coopers tastes like a dessert more than a beer.
In all honesty, I have not tried Coopers Stout. However, I have wanted to sample an espresso or coffee flavored beer for quite some time now.
In spite of my less-than-positive review of your store, I may very well find myself returning in the hopes of fulfilling my beer-desires.
There are way too many words in this entry. That sexy picture alone tho sold me.
Cambridge Brewing Company makes an espresso stout! It is super. They change up what they serve all the time, though, so check it out before you make the trip.
They’ve got their currently available beers on their website:
http://cambridgebrewing.com/