Big Shot Espresso Stout (Timberline Series) - Twisted Pine Brewing Company

YourMomDrinksBud

Colorado

3.9/5  rDev +5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bomber to pint glass.
A-Jet black with very dark red hues around the edges. Light mocha colored head with a one and a half finger head that dissipated fairly quickly leaving some solid lacing.

S-Espresso and bitter chocolate, hint of vanilla.

T-Opens with strong notes of espresso, roasted cofee beans, bitter cocoa nibs, and roasted malts. Finishes a bit sweeter, hints of bitter milk chocolate and more espresso. Bit of hops in there but hardly noticeable. No alcohol heat at all.

D-Medium to light mouthfeel for the style, velvety, smooth and creamy. And with no severe alcohol presence it is quite easy to drink. I finished my bomber with no problems.

O-I like this one but I think it's best to drink fresh because of the espresso and low abv. I tried cellaring a couple bottles and they DID NOT improve with age. I have also heard that their can be some variations bottle to bottle. I will buy again, may not be everybody's thing, but if you like coffee it is worth a shot.

Serving type: bottle

08-18-2011 02:44:08 | More by YourMomDrinksBud

glid02

Georgia

3/5  rDev -18.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2

Bottle purchased from the Wine and Cheese Place via mail order.

The bottle gushed upon opening and pours one shade from black with a tan head that leaves light lacing.

Smells of large amounts of plastic and vegetal aromas with hints of roasted malts lurking in the background. Someone was sure that the aromas I was getting were from over-roasted coffee; whatever it was, it wasn’t pleasant.

Tastes better than it smells, but not by much. Heavy roasted malts up front are joined quickly by slightly tart dark fruits and the same plastic that was present in the aroma. Hints of heavily roasted coffee come into play midway through, fading out into a moderately bitter ending. Mouthfeel is OK, with a slightly thin thickness and heavy carbonation.

Overall this was not a good beer. Hopefully there is bottle variation and if you have one you’ll have a better experience than me.

Serving type: bottle

07-22-2011 16:11:13 | More by glid02

corby112

Pennsylvania

2.63/5  rDev -28.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5

Pours a dark chocolate brown that appears pitch black and completely opaque in the glass.  Two finger frothy mocha head. Pretty good retention only slowly fading into lasting cap that leaves large chunks of soapy lacing.  

Deep roasted coffee aroma that isn't burnt or acrid smelling.  Like fresh roasted espresso coffee with lots of luscious dark malt underneath.  Slight lactic cream with bittersweet dark chocolate, oatmeal and toast.  

Deep intensely roasted coffe flavor overpowers everything up front.  Really dry and bitter with an overly roasted burnt acrid flavor.  All espresso burnt coffee burnt toast and dry bitterness up front lingering over the dark malt backbone into a bone dry finish.  As my palate adjusts I begin to pick up a  subtle creamy texture and hints of bitter dark chocolate, oatmeal, burnt toast and nut.  Overall it's just too one dimensional and tastes kind of ashy( but not in a good smoked beer way) fire.  All espresso and burnt malt.

Serving type: bottle

06-23-2011 07:18:26 | More by corby112

stakem

Pennsylvania

3.73/5  rDev +1.1%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a bomber with no freshness date into a standard pint glass. This brew appears black in color with a very thin tan head that quickly dissolves and barely holds around the edge of the glass with a thin line of bubbles. A swirl of the glass does not help in assisting a head formation.

The smell of this brew is roasty dark grain character coupled with a scent of espresso that imparts a light citrus component. Faintly musty but similar to other examples of the style with coffee additions added. It isn't distracting, it adds a nice depth to the nose. Through the middle more coffee notes come out mixed with a light chocolate scent that brings forth some sweetness.

The taste of this brew is bitter with a combination of espresso and dark roasted grains. There is a light tangy element and citrus component that seems to come from a mix of both hops and the citrus of the coffee. Through the back of the taste are more citrus components that start to taste too exaggerated to just be a coffee inclusion. It leaves a lasting taste that is a pleasant mix of coffee, bitter dark grain and citrus notes.

This is a medium bodied brew with a very light level of carbonation visibly but produces a pleasant tingle in the mouth which livens up the brew. The amount of espresso added is perfect, not too much to distract from the base stout brew and not too little that it would be mistaken for just typical dark malt flavors. I have no idea what the alcohol percent is in this brew, but it is hidden quite well and is pleasant, any more alcohol contribution might have distracted from the experience. Overall, a fairly well put together breakfast stout.

Serving type: bottle

06-04-2011 16:45:49 | More by stakem

FosterJM

California

3.85/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

425th review on BA
Bottle to pint
22 oz

App- Cup o Joe brown with some lighter edges. One finger quick receding khaki head. One thin line of cling at the top.

Smell- Huge roasted malts with espresso notes. Small hop notes as well.

Taste- Very strong dark malts like a strong cup of coffee. Small hop taste on the back.

Mouth- Medium bodied with a medium carbonation. A bit thin though.

Drink- A good morning beer with breakfast. Nice malty flavors with the coffee and espresso. Paired with a breakfast burrito was quite good. If it wasn't for the beer being from CO I'd have this one a lot more.

Serving type: bottle

04-25-2011 04:38:52 | More by FosterJM

BayouBengal1537

Louisiana

3.73/5  rDev +1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured into pint glass. Pours a dark black with no head, no lacing either. Smells right off the bat of coffee and chocolate. some roastiness is also there. Taste is similar, coffee, chocolate, roasted malts. Mouthfeel was surprisingly smooth, an easy drinking, medium carbonation. Drinkability is good, not too heavy. Overall I thought this was a good American Stout, I would have this again.

Serving type: bottle

04-18-2011 02:45:23 | More by BayouBengal1537

claytong

Vermont

3.78/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I can see why many people like this beer, its easy to like if you're a coffee drinker which most people are. I am not a coffee drinker thus I prefer their cream style stout a bit more. I do think I'd prefer this to some of the other espresso or cappuccino stouts I've had. Including Lagunitas which I got robbed for.

Serving type: on-tap

03-25-2011 00:45:00 | More by claytong

aepb1

Florida

3.85/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A- Black body with a creamy tan head and some lacing

S- Coffee grounds and burnt roastiness

T- Not as big taste as the nose would lead you to believe. Coffee roastiness all the way through. Burnt crispiness finishes

M- Medium-full bodied, surprisingly not super full, smooth

D- The lighter body makes it easier to drink and this is a decent beer

Serving type: bottle

03-19-2011 14:27:57 | More by aepb1

cjgator3

Florida

3.9/5  rDev +5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

22oz bottle

A- Pours a dark black color with a nice light tan head with a good amount of retention and lacing.

S- The aroma is sweet chocolatey malt with some roasted coffee and espresso notes as well.

T- The taste Is dark roasted malts up front with bold espresso flavors and some alcohol warmth in the finish. There is some nice espresso notes in the nose, the espresso flavors really shine in the taste as well.

M- The mouthfeel is medium bodied with good amount of carbonation.

D- Overall, this is a pretty solid beer. I'm a big fan of coffee/espresso stouts and this is one that was worth trying.

Serving type: bottle

03-07-2011 03:58:31 | More by cjgator3

Huhzubendah

District of Columbia

3.75/5  rDev +1.6%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Bottle shared by drabmuh. Thanks Matt!

A: The beer appears jet black with a monstrous beige head. Over-carbonation is evident from the onset. The thick, whipped mass refuses to dissipate even slightly and prolongs my first sip by several minutes, which is rather annoying.

S: The aroma brings a potent dosage of espresso coffee, with roast and chocolate flavors coming in behind.

T: The flavor is pretty tasty, with a pronounced coffee presence. As a regular coffee drinker, I am a big fan of coffee stouts in general, though this one is middle of the pack.

M: The feel is too thin for the style. The over-carbonation doesn't hinder the feel as much as I would have guessed, but the body could stand to be thicker for sure.

D: An OK beer and fun to try. I'd probably drink it again, but wouldn't buy it or seek it out.

Serving type: bottle

03-01-2011 23:24:36 | More by Huhzubendah

JM03

Ohio

4.22/5  rDev +14.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Sent from optimator13 in a trade. Thanks Evan!

22oz bottle poured into a chalice. Pours black as night with a nice thick milk chocolate brown head.

Aromas of coffees with some smokiness. Roasted malts and a hint of sweetness.

Tastes start with roasted/smokiness, but quickly follow with the hit of coffee. A nice sweetness balances it out and the coffee lingers around in the aftertaste.

I enjoyed this one very much. A very good brew that falls right in line with my favorite style. I would drink again and again if I had access to it.

Serving type: bottle

02-28-2011 13:24:51 | More by JM03

drabmuh

Maryland

3.15/5  rDev -14.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Beer is irresponsibly over carbonated with a huge tan head that won't quit. Beer is black / brown and clear at the corners.

Aroma is sweet with what i swear is a soapy background, smells OK.

Beer is medium in body with a thin wet finish. I don't really like this beer. I drink it labored and don't really look forward to the remainder in my glass. It was an extra in a trade with who know who and I don't think i'll ever have it again.

Serving type: bottle

02-27-2011 00:01:53 | More by drabmuh

JoeAmerican77

Colorado

3.9/5  rDev +5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had at twisted pine brewpub,

Pours out dark as night with stellar head that laces beautifully...

Smells of absolute coffee and dark fruits

Tastes of espresso, roasted malts, coffee, pit fruit, and just a wonderful thick chocolate

Creamy, a dessert in your mouth, thick body with a lighter carbonation

Serving type: on-tap

02-25-2011 02:11:51 | More by JoeAmerican77

northyorksammy

Ontario (Canada)

3.45/5  rDev -6.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

enjoyed on tap at the brewery's tasting room. Very expresso, though lighter mouthfeel. Dark brown, not much to look at. Coffee in nose. Roast,some burnt parts, chocolate and vanilla hints. Not a great drinker for me, its a story in coffee.Drying aftertaste.

Serving type: on-tap

02-14-2011 00:47:07 | More by northyorksammy

EgadBananas

Louisiana

3.5/5  rDev -5.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Pretty damn black on the pour I'd say. A non vigorous pour also yielded a solid 3 fingers of head that left sticky lacing down the side and dissipated to a sixth of a finger of creamy film.

Aroma was somewhat lacking. There was some espresso, hints of chocolate, ashy, burnt malts. All were less than predominant.

The taste was somewhat intense. Black coffee; no sugar, cream, milk, no nothing. Coffee grounds...or at least, I think that spent coffee grounds I've smelled before would taste a bit like this. There's also a burnt, soot taste, hints of chocolate and deeply roasted malts. Definitely one of the most uniquely intense coffee beers I've had before...

The feel is upper medium in body, creamy, low carbonation feel, clean.

Pretty good drink ability. Definitely something I think I would have to be in the mood for, but still an overall good brew to have here and there.

Serving type: bottle

02-09-2011 02:59:08 | More by EgadBananas

BeerAdvocate

Massachusetts

3.8/5  rDev +3%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Review from BeerAdvocate Magazine Issue #46 (Nov 2010):

Sizable head drops to a wisp of brown lace, with the brew being as black as black can be. Big roasty nose with hits of freshly used coffee grounds, burnt currants, molasses and dark chocolate. Full bodied, slick and creamy with a mild crispness. Roasty from start to the long finish. Obvious espresso blankets the palate. Hints of neutral charcoal, sweet-burning cigar and molasses push back on the bitterness of the espresso. A fine berry and malt sweetness within, and a dash of alcohol follows. A well-rounded coffee beer.

Serving type: bottle

02-04-2011 02:25:53 | More by BeerAdvocate

biglite351

Pennsylvania

3.68/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

A - only a sliver of red around the edge. Tall very tight light brown head leaving considerable lacing.

S - a lot of coffee with a touch of dark chocolate.

T - tastes more like smelling fresh ground coffee, rather than drinking it. Mild malts and chocolate. A bitter hit in the after taste.

M - play coating with a strong tingle on front sides of tongue.

D - I could have a couple, but the bitter finish would prevent this from being an all-nighter.

Serving type: bottle

12-20-2010 23:48:19 | More by biglite351

katan

Colorado

4.05/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

22oz bomber into a goblet

A - Pours very dark brown to black with just a few amber highlights. Light mocha head formation. Appears to be somewhat frothy.

S - Strong chocolate and coffee aroma. Roasted notes are present as well.

T - Starts off with a light roasted malt sweetness, some coffee grainy notes are present. They become much more pronounced in the mid-stream, more acidic and edgy. hopping is low. Finishes with a smooth coffee like note - but enough sweetness to balance it out.

M - Moderate beer body. Not extremely thick like some strong stouts, but with enough body that coats the tongue when complimented by the carbonation.

D - Easy drinkability. Unknown abv, but it doesn't seem too zingy. Not abusive to the palette, which can be a problem in coffee beers. Not filling.

Serving type: bottle

10-09-2010 00:40:56 | More by katan

NewGeneric

California

4.25/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured into my Duvel tulip.

A: Pours a deep brown, almost black color with one finger of creamy beige head.

S: Smells of espresso and bitter chocolate.

T: Tastes of bitter chocolate and espresso.

M: Creamy, bitter, good cleansing of the palate from the carbonation.

D: Easy to drink a bunch.

Serving type: bottle

09-18-2010 00:00:01 | More by NewGeneric

emmasdad

Colorado

3.88/5  rDev +5.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

My wife picked this one up down the street, on a recent late night beverage run. Poured a jet black color, with a nice cappuccino colored head. Big espresso aromas leap from the glass. On the palate, more espresso, roasted malt and rich, dark chocolate.

Serving type: bottle

09-10-2010 02:07:22 | More by emmasdad

twiggamortis420

Texas

3.55/5  rDev -3.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

22 oz bomber bought a few months ago. Pours a jet black color with just a smidge of highlighting at the edges. Foam is dark tan and does not show much retention or lacing.

Smell is a fresh shot of espresso to the nostrils, very robust and fresh. Hard to get much else on the nose, but coffee aroma is right up there with the best of 'em.

Taste is about 75% espresso coffee, 20% milk chocolate and the other 5% a various blend of dark bread, alcohol and mild hops. Mouthfeel is just short of medium and I could definitely use more creaminess. Annoying astringency and the one-dimensionality of the beer are the only things keeping this from sticking out in the deliciously crowded style of coffee stouts. That said, this is easily the best Twisted Pine beer I have had to date...worth a shot.

Serving type: bottle

08-12-2010 14:42:28 | More by twiggamortis420

allengarvin

Texas

3.6/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A vigorous pour of this beer gave only a very slight tan head on top of the jet-black beer. The nose gives appropriately assertive notes of coffee, together with sweet cocoa. The flavor is more mocha than espresso, with a lot of sweet chocolate malt flavor coming through. It's not bad, but there's no other complexity here, and little of real interest.

Serving type: bottle

08-04-2010 05:18:00 | More by allengarvin

whoneeds8

Texas

3.33/5  rDev -9.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured into a Duvel tulip oil black with a one finger tan head. The head disappears rather quickly for the style and there is minimal lacing. The scent is strong of chocolate and coffee. The taste has the chocolate malts playing with some smoked flavors, but for a "BIG SHOT" Espresso stout, I can't find the espresso. I think they forgot the shot. There are some coffee notes in the flavor but not nearly what I'd expect from a name like Big Shot. The mouthfeel is a little light for the style but it's not a bad drinking beer.

Serving type: bottle

07-31-2010 02:15:30 | More by whoneeds8

briman

Texas

3.65/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours dark brown, basically black, opaque with a moderate dark tan head that retains well.

Aroma has a strong, rich ground coffee smell, with some dark chocolate floating around as well.

Flavor has a bit of an earth element to go along with a pretty potent punch of ground coffee. Bitter-sweet chocolate makes an appearance as well. Finishes dry, maybe a bit grainy, with a very faint roasted malt bitterness.

Medium body, with moderate carbonation. A touch chewy, and every so slightly drying on the palate. A hint of roast based astringency lingers at the end as well, but not enough to be a distraction.

This is a great beer if you love coffee, because the espresso is the star of the show. So much so, that I really have a hard time picking out any roasted malt foundation or hop contributions underneath that are reminiscent of an American Stout. The body could be bit fuller as well, and I also think the addition of some oats or some other factor to add a bit of creaminess would really make this brew shine.

Serving type: bottle

07-05-2010 03:20:06 | More by briman

wagenvolks

Texas

3.5/5  rDev -5.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5

22oz bomber poured into a Meantime tulip.

Big Shot Espresso Stout's body is as dark as I expected, but more porter-like in its thinness as it shows cola hues at the edges. A fat, rocky, mocha-tan head builds and settles quickly to leave behind a ring of scattered bubbles. The aroma is rich & complex with espresso galore, plus soil, vanilla, nuttiness, and musty hops. Some Baker's chocolate, too, although the overall malt presence is a bit grainy.

Dark coffee grounds taste somewhat acrid with a hint of sour milk (not like a lactose infection). No lingering bitterness from the espresso, but chocolate-mocha flavors last into the finish. Mouthfeel is perilously thin & watery, and the carbonation is off. Not exactly a stout-like consistency--not even on par with most porters, really. All in all, this isn't a great beer, but Twisted Pine's Espresso 'Stout' is certainly a good, drinkable coffee beer. Glad I got to try it, but this will not be a repeat purchase for me.

Serving type: bottle

06-30-2010 02:42:12 | More by wagenvolks