Baumé - Half Acre Beer Company

UCLABrewN84

California

3.65/5  rDev -8.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5

Thanks to queens1130 for sharing this one at GRG1313's tasting.

Pours an almost opaque super dark brown with a foamy dark khaki head that settles to a film on top of the beer. Small swaths of lace form around the glass on the drink down. Smell is of dark roasted malt, rye, and cocoa aromas. Taste is much the same with rye and cocoa flavors on the finish. There is a mild amount of roasty bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a lower level of carbonation with a slightly crisp and medium bodied mouthfeel. Overall, this is a pretty good beer that smells better than it tastes in my opinion.

Serving type: bottle

05-08-2013 03:36:06 | More by UCLABrewN84

mecummins

Illinois

4.24/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

A- poured a dark rich solid brown color. 2 1/2 finger dark tan head with wonderful lacing creeping up the sides of the glass. Settles to a thick film for most of the drink.

S- the rye malts dominate this aroma. Under it is a lightly bitter notes of milk chocolate and espresso. There is a peppery quality and maybe a hint if earth.

T- again, the rye dominates the taste. The chewy, slightly peppery flavor of rye hits you first and lingers. A bit of the milk choloate creeps through. I could detect a roasted grain note. I didn't get any coffee flavor at all. There's an almost smokey note there as well. Very mild hops on the tail, but the rye flavor really over takes any subtle nuances.

M- the mouthfeel was creamier & smoother than expected. Not a whole lot if carbonation. The finish was moderate & dry.

O- a nicely done rye stout (if you don't like the flavor it scent if rye, why drink a rye stout after all?). I would have like a bit more layering of flavors, but overall a very solid beer.

Serving type: bottle

03-24-2013 19:55:57 | More by mecummins

SerialHiker

Illinois

4.04/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 4

Appearance: Pours black…mocha colored head formed about a finger width thick and remains, tight and a touch thinner…the brew settles, losing a bit of life after about 15 minutes…overall though, an inviting brew...(4/5)

Smell: Tons of milk chocolate emanating from my glass…roasted malts, oatmeal and a touch of peppery rye round things out…I do get a little citrus hops coolness , but this is a malt driven vehicle for sure…again, very inviting…(4/5)

Taste: Burnt, creamy, roasted malts coat my tongue in awesomeness right off the bat…chocolate, oatmeal, coffee and a noticeable peppery rye bite show themselves in the middle phase and linger throughout…there’s not an overly noticeable hops presence, though that certainly isn’t a knock…this thing is rich and flavorful, very much a classic American stout…(4.25/5)

Mouthfeel: Medium to full body, with very light carbonation for a stout I’d say…mildly chewy and robust with malts, it’s smooth on the palate and finishes somewhat crisply…a hint of lemony citrus hops shows in the after taste…(3/5)

Overall: This beer is fantastic…I’ve been digging the rye ales and this continues the trend…very much a rich, traditional stout, the rye adds a peppery bite that separates this from others and makes it rather memorable…I can see why Half Acres’ serious followers favorite this one…it is really good…Baume’s mouthfeel leaves a bit to be desired, there really is no carbonation and with all that wonderful flavor, that’s a disappointment…other than that, this is a fantastic brew that is worthy of searching out…stop by their beer store and pick a couple up, one won’t be enough…(4/5)

Brewreport.blogspot.com

Serving type: bottle

03-19-2013 02:05:21 | More by SerialHiker

kevanb

Illinois

3.74/5  rDev -6.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

650ml bottle poured into a Half Acre holiday snifter.

Pours a nice deep cola brown, almost black in color, a thin brown head head appears, almost a finger high which recedes quickly leaving a bit of film atop the beer and some light sticky lace. The aroma is very light, toasted dark barley, a bit of roasted coffee and light bittersweet chocolate with a touch of prickly rye that lingers behind. The beer is much more impactful on the tongue, lots of spicy rye, bitter dark chocolate with a nice amount of dark malted grain that lingers behind. The body is surprisingly full and lively, prickly on the tongue that coats the mouth fairly well. The finish is a touch too abrasive from the carbonation and very dry.

Verdict: A nice easy stout from Half Acre, it's not in your face, but it doesn't hide anything either, very sessionable and enjoyable as a nightcap. After having this and Hearths Ablaze, I am really beginning to enjoy their lighter American Stouts.

Serving type: bottle

03-12-2013 03:02:28 | More by kevanb

Beerandraiderfan

Nevada

3.73/5  rDev -6.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Pours out about equal parts black and brown. Light brown head, .33" in depth. Average lacing in terms of stickiness. Head retention was around average as well.

Mellow aroma, chocolate malt, roast were the preminent aromas, I was searching for rye, but it just wasn't within my sensory perception abilities at that point. Perhaps the tinge of herbal greenness witin the aroma is what the rye lends, but it wasn't at all clear to me what was giving off said aroma.

The taste and mouthfeel in fact corroborate the claim of rye. It comes across as both hops and rye malt, not really spicy I'd say because of the greater percentage of barley, and sheer amount of it to make a stout of this heft, but nonetheless, perceptible beyond its lacking aroma. Caramel and tofffee intrusions, we're starting to get slightly complex here. Rye, herbs, roast, caramel, toffee, spice. . . mouthfeel finished dry, not spicy or thick. Smoother than most rye beers. Not too heavy on the chocolate all the way through, even as it warmed. Slightly bitter, slightly ashy, even citrusy at times. Definitely complex, but not for the sake of being so.

Solid effort.

Serving type: bottle

03-01-2013 21:25:20 | More by Beerandraiderfan

zrbeer1579

Illinois

4.04/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Appearance: Black with half finger creamy mocha head.

Aroma: Roasted, burnt, and chocolate malts. A tiny touch of hops.

Taste: Roasted, burnt, dark chocolate malts. Little rye and a tiny hint of its spiciness. Little pine and floral. Some caramel as well.

Mouthfeel: Unfortunately a bit lacking. It is a little thin. Some malts and hops bitterness. Carbonation fits. Smooth. Roasted dark chocolate aftertaste.

Overall: I like the flavors, but it could use some more rye. Wish it was thicker, too. I would have this again.

Serving type: on-tap

03-01-2013 21:03:11 | More by zrbeer1579

MCain04

Illinois

3.96/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

On tap at the brewery, served into a 12 oz snifter.

A: Dark brown with a small, light tan head, quickly dissipates, good lacing though.

S: Rye malts and spicey, some piney hops.

T: Rye malts and piney, floral hops present throughout, not as roasty as I'd expect for a stout. Bitter finish, hint of dark chocolate.

M: Moderate carbonation, smooth body, very drinkable, slightly dry.

O: Very different, a light, dry stout with a different take. Not as complex as it could be, but certainly off the beaten path. Probably not a beer I'd frequent but definitely enjoyed.

Serving type: on-tap

02-27-2013 02:19:26 | More by MCain04

tobelerone

New Jersey

3.95/5  rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Black bodied stout with a small brownish head. Low retention but strong creamy lacing remains on the glass. Roasty bittersweet chocolate aroma, hint of rye, some hopping evident in the smell as well; I get bitter citrusy and floral notes wafting around under the more prominent and typical stout characteristics.

Complex flavors; good roastiness and dark chocolate flavor; spicy, vaguely mineral quality imparted by the rye; again notes of citrus hops lurk around the periphery; late emerging espresso flavor. Medium body, med-high carbonation that’s pretty lively for the style. Retains some smoothness in the mouthfeel nevertheless.

This is a pretty nice stout that hits some unusual notes with the rye and more prominent hops than you’d expect. Not the usual fare and a nice change-up from that. Definitely worth a flyer.

Serving type: bottle

12-18-2012 03:54:39 | More by tobelerone

Etan

Illinois

4/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

22oz bottle into a tulip. Half Acre's first bomber release.

A: Handsome-looking stout - blackish body with a nice, dense chocolate-colored head.

S: Coffee beans and slightly citric old hoppiness, roasted grain.

T: Some lingering hoppy bitterness and dry rye grain, mild chocolate and coffee, roast, a bit of citrus.

M: Thick-bodied with moderate carbonation.

O: Pretty enjoyable stout - the rye and hops are a bit bracing, even after the aging, but I think it works with the beer.

Serving type: bottle

11-03-2012 01:52:36 | More by Etan

northyorksammy

Ontario (Canada)

3.83/5  rDev -4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A superior stout from Chicago trip of 5 months back. Well features rye spicy characteristic, hops not overpowering and lending some citrus to the chocolate flavour , some ageing probably helping there. Very creamy thick, lasting head, thick chocolate. A nice drinker.

Serving type: bottle

10-07-2012 01:08:54 | More by northyorksammy

scottfrie

California

3.63/5  rDev -9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Thanks for this one Jay!

A: Pours near black with a finger or two of light brown foam that slowly faded into a fuzzy film and collar. Tiny spots of lace were left.
S: Very smoky with strong notes of rye and earthy hops.
T: Huge and predominate flavors of rye. This is definitely a rye lovers beer. Spicy, earthy and grainy all around with hints of chocolate, vanilla, caramel as an afterthought. Hops are bitter, earthy and herbal. The rye by far dominates.
M: Frothy carbonation, medium-full body, full mouthfeel, foamy and airy.
O: Super spicy. For what it is it’s awesome, but you gotta love rye. Thanks again jbck109.

Serving type: bottle

06-30-2012 02:31:38 | More by scottfrie

Sean9689

Illinois

3.5/5  rDev -12.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

On-tap at Fountainhead for the Half Acre/Perennial Event.

A - Pours black, light tan head, wisps.

S - Rye up front, dark chocolate, dry roast notes, and hops. Pretty straight-forward and that's exactly what I was expecting.

T - More of the same...lots of rye, roast, toasted, malts, and dark chocolate bitterness. Alcohol is there for 7%, but this beer is very fresh so I can't knock it too hard for that. Perhaps a little too much rye and hops for me, which fatigues my palate a bit.

M - Medium to full body, rich, creamy, good carbonation, dry roasted finish.

O - A nice stout, but not something I could drink a lot of. The rye and hops are just a bit too much for me (even though I love both), and I think I'd rather have a porter or brown then go back to this when I'm in the mood for something dark. Decent.

Serving type: bottle

06-25-2012 15:02:24 | More by Sean9689

sweemzander

Illinois

3.6/5  rDev -9.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

22oz. bottle poured into a tulip. Thanks to Chris for sharing!

(A)- Pours a pitch black color. Some tan froth and lace.

(S)- A nice mellow roasted grain and subtle spice. Bits of cocoa and raisin.

(T)- Similar to the smell. A nice combo of cocoa, raisin, subtle spice, and roasted grain.

(M)- A nice carbonation level and balance. Good balanced roasted bits and smooth but rich malts.

(D)- A nice stout for sure. Balanced and easy drinking. Well done.

Serving type: bottle

05-19-2012 17:30:42 | More by sweemzander

Jaycase

Illinois

3.68/5  rDev -7.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

2012 vintage. 8.2 degrees Baumé

a: black as night. thick tan colored head.

s: roasty malts. chocolate.

t: chocolate. roasted malts. some coffee on the tail end. a rye spiciness accents the flavor

m: smooth and creamy. medium body. finishes a tad dry

o: decent stout. not on the same level as Big Hugs in my opinion but that is an imperial stout of course. rye adds a nice accent, not dominant in any way. Not sure I'd seek this out again but glad I had a chance to try it.

Serving type: bottle

04-28-2012 03:13:47 | More by Jaycase

Treebs

Illinois

3.6/5  rDev -9.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

22 oz bottle served in a DFH signature glass. 2012 vintage.

A: Pours a thick dark black with a one finger khaki colored head forming on the pour. The head recedes to a thin film and ring. Splotchy sheets of lace are left on the glass.

S: Big notes of chocolate and rye bread are very present up front. Some dark fruits and green leaf hops are present on the finish.

T: Rye bread spiciness and the bready malt flavors that accompany show themselves up front. The chocolate malts and general roasted flavors shine in the mid palate. The finish is mild hop bitterness.

M: Medium to heavier bodied with a medium carbonation level and semi dry roasty finish.

O: I liked the flavors the rye incorporated. It didn't dominate the chocolate flavors of the stout and it really balanced everything out.

Serving type: bottle

04-17-2012 01:25:07 | More by Treebs

areich6

Illinois

4.3/5  rDev +7.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A: Pours a very dark brown with about two centimeters of head. Leaves a bit of lacing as the head recedes.

S: Faint roasty malts and a slight bit of hoppiness. Nothing really sticks out with the smell. Pretty standard for a stout.

T: Excellent representation of a plain American Stout. Greaty roasty characteristics coupled with a bit of coffee and a small amount of noticable hoppy bitterness. The Rye is very noticable and adds a unique quality to this beer.

M: Very smooth, drinkable, and creamy. Very pleasant going down the throat.

O: This a fine American Stout. As far as regular non whatever barrel aged stouts go, this is one of the better stouts I've had.

Serving type: bottle

04-12-2012 04:23:27 | More by areich6

pschul4

Illinois

4.15/5  rDev +4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Picked up on a whim just to support my local HA

A- Pours a quite dark brown with a huuuge tan head that is still receding over 60 seconds later

S- Definitely pick up some rye spiciness along with some nice roast chocolate

T- Rye spice and chocolate big in the taste. Its a very unique flavor for and honestly I kind of like it

M- Nice and smooth with a decent viscosity. Take note other stout brewers!

O- Never had anyhting like this. That being said I would like to try more rye chocolate stouts

Serving type: bottle

04-12-2012 04:22:04 | More by pschul4

crossovert

Wisconsin

4.25/5  rDev +6.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

650ml bomber.

It pours a dense black (in my new duvel art glass so it is kind of hard to tell *exactly* what is going on). The head is large, foamy, and tan and leaves some very nice lacing.

Immediately the smell on this one is noticeable. For a 7% stout it is pretty fragrant. It has some solid clean dark barley malt scents, rye, some cocoa and caramel, and some slightly herbal hops. It is a really pleasant mix.

The flavor is also full flavored. It is definitely a hoppy stout, and as long as you pass the % threshold I think stouts can work well with hops. I'm glad I'm having this one fresh, the rye is really noticeable, I am not like a rye fan or anything but this one leaves a noticeable impression, not as good as a roggenbier but pretty damn interesting for a stout. Roasty and bitter malt flavors along with cocoa follow it up with some nice hop notes on the back end, even a subtle pine and fruit note.

This is a really smooth but complex brew, probably the best I have had from this brewery.

Serving type: bottle

03-30-2012 03:44:23 | More by crossovert

jegross2

Illinois

4.03/5  rDev +1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Reviewing the Baume from Half Acre Brewing Company.
Score: 91

Bottle is from the 03/02/12 release. Served in a Founders tulip glass and enjoyed on 03/10/12. Review is from notes.

Appearance: Pours a pitch black color with a thin highlight strip of brown at the top of the glass. One finger of creamy milk chocolate colored head at pour settles into a lighter, khaki colored ring around the glass. Excellent lacing, superior retention. 4.5/5

Smell: Intense notes of chocolate malt, barley and rye. Milk chocolate, "dry" hops, and a light amount of toffee and caramel. 4/5

Taste: Creamy milk chocolate and rye spice throughout. Cocoa/raw chocolate, light mocha and hops on the midpalate. The beer has a "spiciness" to the flavor from the rye that grows on the palate as the beer layers and warms. 4/5

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied with a nice amount (medium) carbonation that makes the spice flavors of the beer pop on the palate. Creamy mouthfeel. Bitter finish. 4/5

Overall: A superior beer to Big Hugs. This is easily the best Half Acre stout that I have had to date.

Recommendation: Seek this beer out.

Pairings: Vanilla ice cream.

Cost: $7.99 for a 22 oz (bomber) bottle.

Serving type: bottle

03-19-2012 03:51:44 | More by jegross2

kawilliams81

Illinois

4.05/5  rDev +1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Poured from growler into a Jester King pint.

A- Pours a nice black with a 2" mocha head. Small trails and bubbles of lacing.

S- Roasted malts, chocolate, citrus.

T- Chocolate and roasted malts, slight nuttiness, nice citrus hop bitterness. Some spiciness from the rye but very noticeable.

M- Medium body and carbonation. Fairly creamy with a airy feel.

O- Very good regular stout. Like the citrus hop aroma and taste. Will buy this one yearly.

Serving type: growler

03-11-2012 20:56:34 | More by kawilliams81

KDawg

Illinois

4.03/5  rDev +1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

poured from growler into a pint glass. Pours a dark chocolate color with a frothy and foamy head

very pungent and balanced aromas of belgian chocolate, roasted malts and coffee grounds. Good depth, but lacking some complexity

Full bodied and very smooth. Not too complex with notes of belgian chocolate and roasted malts and a touch of coffee on the back end.

This is a quality stout. Well balanced and while not extremely complex, it hits the notes really well and is really enjoyable

Serving type: growler

03-05-2012 00:48:40 | More by KDawg

BrewerB

California

4.25/5  rDev +6.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Big thanks goes out to MarkFy for the hookup on this beer. I reached out to BA to get some Half Acre goodness and Mark responded in a big way. Cheers, sir!

Pouring into a Firestone Walker nonic pint glass. It's a dark brown/black with a 1-2 finger medium tan dimpled foam. Good retention and lacing.

Delicously inviting caraway seed with dark chocolate and a smoky molasses. Cracked black pepper spiciness cropping up as the beer gets some breathing room.

Dark, hearty bread maltiness. More of that rye-spicy flavor making an appearance here. Earthy hop, moderate to moderate-high bitterness clings firmly on and doesn't let go easily, lingering on into a medium, dry finish. Charcoal smokiness on the back-end and a brief brown sugar in the middle.

Medium-bodied with a moderate level of carbonation.

Digging the dark malt flavors combined with a peppery/rye bread spice. Firm bitterness helps balance the brew while lending a drinkability that keeps me back for another sip. The type of beer I'd love to have easier access to and another impressive offering from a brewery that keeps churning out winners.

Serving type: bottle

12-16-2011 03:55:15 | More by BrewerB

dlello2

Illinois

4.43/5  rDev +11%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A - Black with slivers of red around the edges.

S - Chocolate. Nice smell not too intense.

T - First it's smooth and nondescript, then comes the chocolate on the middle of the tongue, then coffee, then lingering coffee/cocoa bean bitterness. The 7% alcohol never shows up. Chocolate hangs out on the back of my tongue and on the edges of my mouth. The rye is kind of escaping me, maybe some in the aftertaste.

O - This was a good beer. I'm happy to have tried it. I wouldn't necessarily seek it out again, but would be happy if it crossed my path.

Edit: It did cross my path. 2012 version, a few months old, out of the bottle: Much more rye heavy. Awesome bittersweet cocoa roastiness throughout. Similar to Everett by HF (I know... strange comparison) in it's lingering, delicious aftertaste. A great improvement over last year for me.

Serving type: on-tap

11-24-2011 19:22:19 | More by dlello2

azdback

Arizona

4.22/5  rDev +5.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured into a Stone Imperial glass. Deep, dark brown. I don't quite want to call this black. Highlights are a golden brown. Head is a beautiful three finger, light brown, frothy monster. The lace is sticky already but I'll let you know what the glass looks like at the end. It does stick pretty well. Some patchy rings and leopard spots.

Smell is of chocolate and coffee, maybe call it chocoffee?

Taste is dark roasted coffee. Some tart cherries come through. Not so much chocolate comes with the taste. There are some smokey flavors also. I'm not getting the rye flavors, but I'm okay with that because this is quite wonderful.

Mouth is what an American Stout should be. In fact I think this one is more on line with an Imperial, but just a tad watery to call it that. Rich and smooth to the end. A smidge of alcohol warm on the throat. Great beer.

Overall I really enjoyed my first Half Acre offering. I don't believe this was brewed or designed to blow my socks off or to be the next great "want", but what it was, was really really good. Thanks to injuredreserve for this extra.

Serving type: bottle

07-16-2011 05:03:10 | More by azdback

brentk56

North Carolina

4.47/5  rDev +12%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Appearance; Pours a chocolate brown color with ruby highlights with a big tan head that leaves behind some shards of lace

Smell: Pumpernickel rye bread, shaved chocolate and pith

Taste: Starts out roasty, with the pumpernickel rye character that gets spicy from the rye malt and the hops by mid-palate; after the swallow, the chocolate flavor adds another dimension, but this is still a rather hoppy stout through to the finish

Mouthfeel: Medium body with moderate carbonation, but a considerable prickly character

Overall: Very impressed by this brew; while it has strongly contrasting flavors, it packs a wallop of flavor at a fairly reasonable ABV

Serving type: bottle

07-11-2011 00:37:03 | More by brentk56