Brooklyn Brewery – Black Chocolate Stout

Brooklyn Brewery – Black Chocolate Stout

THE POUR: Very, very dark body. Head is about 1-2inches and a brownish color – you can tell there is cocoa here.  Nice lacing after head dissipates. Looks beautiful in the glass, and pours very smooth.

THE AROMA: Sweet malty smell with roasted espresso tones. Alcohol is very noticeable at 10% abv.

THE TASTE: Very smooth beginning, with a bitter chocolate taste filling the mouth.  The initial taste is very malty and almost thick, with immediate alcohol taste. Finishes with bitter but smooth. Cocoa lasts on the palate.

THE DECISION: I found this beer to be a great sipping stout.  The alcohol is a little overpowering, yet I think it is necessary to gain the full experience from beginning to end that this stout delivers.  If you are a fan of stouts and espresso, you will find this to be a very pleasing winter beer.

THE GRADE: A

Southern Tier – Krampus

Southern Tier – Krampus Imperial Helles Lager

THE POUR: Using a tulip glass as the label recommends (at 48 degrees), the pour is a golden amber, with light head retention. Lacing stays nicely on the glass as the head quickly dissipates.

THE AROMA: Very clean malty pine smell. Very nice aroma and is not overpowering despite a 9% abv.

THE TASTE: Very malty beginning, with smooth and dry hoppy bitterness. Well-balanced lager throughout. Again the 9% abv is hidden by the taste.

THE DECISION: Outstanding imperial lager.  I am not all too sure what the “helles” is about, but it does not matter due to the clean malts blended perfectly with dry hops.

THE GRADE: A

From the label:

St. Nicholas, aka Santa Claus, is a magical figure, the bringer of girts and an icon of holiday spirit. Forgotten by most is his evil side kick and enforcer of ‘the list’…. Krampus hands out punishments to the bad. A fanged, goat-horned bully, the Christmas Devil uses sticks and chains to beat the naughty children… This season, replace the cookies with a bottle of Krampus. If he happens to pay a visit, toast to him with this devilish brew.  Merry Kramp-mass to all, and to all a good pint!