Redband Stout - Great River Brewery

acevenom

Louisiana

4.78/5  rDev +15.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to EgadBananas for providing this can. Poured into a pint glass. Pours dark chocolate brown with a creamy dark tan head that dissipates slowly. Some lacing is left on the side of the glass as the head recedes. The aroma is of dark roasted barley malt with dark roasted coffee and milk chocolate. Espresso hits the tongue up front and the dark roasted malts help balance some of the coffee bitterness. There is some milk flavor in this stout as well, but it is subdued. There is a strong bitter character to this beer due to the coffee. This is a coffee lover's dream beer. This is a full bodied stout with moderate carbonation. It has a creamy mouthfeel and the drinkability is high. Overall, this is an excellent stout. If you're a coffee lover and can find this beer, give it a try.

Serving type: bottle

06-02-2012 19:04:12 | More by acevenom

JayQue

Virginia

4.15/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Good One!!! Thanks to Woodchopper, who included it in a trade. Pours a dense dark brown color with absolutely no light getting through. A hard pour yields a medium size light brown head. Head retention is good, lacing is minimal.

Smell is the best part. Big coffee aroma...very pronounced...very good.

Tastes pretty good as well. Big coffee flavor, a little on the sweet side..either sweet cream or maybe a little milk chocolate.

Mouthfeel is impressive as well. The can calls it a Milk Stout. I figured it was either a Milk Stout or an Oatmeal Stout because it is incredibly smooth. Goes down real easy.

Overall, a much better than average stout. I would drink one again if it was available.

Serving type: bottle

04-19-2012 00:58:06 | More by JayQue

Alieniloquium

Florida

3.25/5  rDev -21.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

16 oz. can poured into a British pint glass. Thanks to GraniteSkunk for this one.

Appearance - Pours black with a small mocha head. Not much retention and it only retains a bit of foam and a ring. No lacing.

Smell - Coffee. That's about it. If I struggle I can get some chocolate, but I might even be making that up.

Taste - A little better than the smell. Starts off dry and roasty that comes off very bitter. The coffee comes out and dominates the flavor. The finish is reminds me of oatmeal, but I can't find any indication of it on the label. Low bitterness and a little grainy.

Mouthfeel - Slick but not thick. The finish rests on the tongue leaving a malt flavor unlike the rest of the beer. Bitter, but only from the coffee. Medium carbonation and pretty thin.

Overall - It's a decent stout, but average in most respects. I can barely taste the stout behind the coffee, so it's tough to say it's good. Drinkable but not exciting in any way.

Serving type: bottle

04-12-2012 00:18:08 | More by Alieniloquium

mdfb79

New York

4.28/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to Davesway10 for sending me this in the Birthday BIF. Poured from a 16 oz. can into my Belga Café tulip.

a - Pours a pitch black color with two fingers of dark tan head and moderate carbonation evident. Head lasts for several minutes and leaves an inch of head throughout drinking it. No real lacing. An awesome looking stout.

s - Smells of coffee grinds, roasted malts, vanilla, dark bitter chocolate, toasted malts, and espresso. Really nice nose, the coffee smell is very fresh and strong.

t - Tastes of coffee grinds, espresso, vanilla and cream, roasted malts, light milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, light smoke, and light earthy notes. Coffee isn't quite as strong as the nose, but more cream/vanilla. Still very nice.

m - Medium body and low carbonation. Super smooth and creamy and not too thick. Insanely easy to drink.

o - Overall I have to say, I really liked this one; I thought it was a fantastic coffee stout. Looks great and has a near perfect body. The nose is great and full of fresh coffee. While the coffee in the taste isn't as powerful as some other coffee stouts I've had, I still really liked this one. Very easy to drink and would certainly like to get more of this one. Thanks Dave!

Serving type: bottle

02-16-2012 01:38:17 | More by mdfb79

ms11781

Massachusetts

4.22/5  rDev +2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Thanks to brydeen. 16oz can poured into a tulip glass.

Pours a solid black with a healthy 2 finger brown head. The head dwindles to a cap that has excellent retention and leaves some nice foamy lacing on the glass.

The nose is full of some nice coffee notes, chocolate and big roasty aromas. The coffee comes on first and it's fairly strong, not overwhelming but it's a good dose of it. There is a touch of some sweet milk chocolate and then some big roasted notes.

The taste follows along with the nose, perhaps it's a bit bolder. The coffee flavors still the dominant flavor but it's really well done. Not too little, not too strong. Some nice milk chocolate notes come through in the middle of each sip, with the emphasis on the milk more than the chocolate. There seems to be an underlying roasted character that is present throughout each sip. It's not as pronounced as in the nose as the beer is a bit sweeter in the taste, but it is still roasty.

The body is on the higher end of medium with carbonation on the lower end. It's not quite a full mouthfeel but it's close. It's definitely got a nice creamy feel to it as well.

I must admit that I was surprised by this under the radar stout. It's an excellent example of a coffee stout that doesn't have the bitterness from either the coffee or the roast. The flavors and aromas mesh together very well and it's not too big. Definitely a beer I will seek out again.

Serving type: bottle

01-26-2012 02:36:50 | More by ms11781

jsh420

Illinois

4.78/5  rDev +15.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

pours dark dark brown looks black in the glass big pillowy tan mocha head with good retention and left lacing all down the glass

smells of coffee dark roasted malt a little chocolate

taste is absolutely amazing when did founders start canning FBS light - first let me say this might be the best tasting coffee i have ever had in a beer - coffee milk chocolate cream and sugar

mouthfeel is medium light body good amount of carbonation that makes it feel fuller

overall - how could it not be a 5 - one of the best coffee stout canned (16oz) lower abv without losing any flavor

Serving type: bottle

10-26-2011 04:45:55 | More by jsh420

sneakybird

Illinois

4.5/5  rDev +9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Pour is thick and opaque, nearly black with no highlights. Two fingers of brown head that quickly fade to a thin but persistent film. Minimal lacing. The aroma packs a wollop, falling somewhere between a dark roasted coffee and an iced mocha.

Almost tastes more like coffee than beer. The dark malts are there, but the coffee definitely plays center stage in this one. If there are hops here, they're well hidden; the bitterness tastes like it's all coming from the astringency of the espresso. Medium to heavy in body, though perhaps just a tad lighter than expected. The moderate carbonation really helps the strong aromatics come out.

It's good to see such a good coffee stout coming out of a local brewery, and not have to rely on super limited releases like Kentucky or Bourbon County Breakfast Stout. If they start barrel aging this stuff, I'll buy it by the case. If there's a criticism, it's that this is a beer that probably doesn't need to come in a 16 oz. can.

Serving type: bottle

08-19-2011 01:29:17 | More by sneakybird

Stargazer182ia

Iowa

4.63/5  rDev +12.1%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Tried this stout at a fundraiser at Niabi zoo in Coal Valley, Illinois. It was absolutely fantastic - the fundraiser AND the beer. I'm a stout fan, so this particularly attracted me at the event. As soon as it was poured I was impressed by the mocha color of the head and how absolutely jet black it was.

The coffee aroma comes through immediately in the smell and the taste and becomes a perfect partner to the roastiness of the brew. It was incredibly hot that day and I'm not entirely sure this is the best beer for hot weather. I'd like to try it again on a cooler day. Still, Great River Brewery has a new fan. I'm sending all my stout-fan friends to this beer. Thanks!

Serving type: bottle

08-01-2011 22:43:10 | More by Stargazer182ia

tectactoe

Michigan

3.95/5  rDev -4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Thanks to Jeff for this one. Pours out like a black lagoon, bubbly and thick looking with a deep-tan colored can that rests softly on top of the black abyss. The head fades within a few minutes to a gentle skin atop the brew, with some marginal and spotty lacing left near the top of the glass.

Redband Stout has a fairly straightforward aroma profile that's primarily made up of two things: super heavy roasted coffee and a more laid-back, underlying creamy sweetness. The coffee beans I'm picking up are roasted to hell; scorched, burnt, and oily. The creamy sweetness is a bit more subtle, but balances well with some light, milk and sugar proponents, and even a mild touch of cocoa from the malt. For being so simple, it's actually quite robust on the nostrils, but then again, I'm biased to over-roasted coffee stouts.

It's a little thinner on the palate than you'd expect given the way it pours into the glass, but it still has a reasonably nice, slick mouth feel all around. Believe it or not, the first thing I taste is NOT the coffee - rather it's the nice, creamy sweetness of the malt, somewhat sugary and plopped with a bit of milk chocolate. While the coffee doesn't join until about midway through, it makes up for its immediate absence by lasting well into the aftertaste. Roasted coffee beans and grinds with a mild bitterness in the finish, dark, robust, charred, and a bit ashy. I'm not picking up any direct hop flavors - they are probably being washed out by the roast.

Nice stout here that'll be great for lovers of bitter-roasted coffee beans and whatnot. Enjoyable, albeit slightly one-dimensional and a little lackluster in terms of mouth feel. But considering the low ABV, it's got a very nice and full aroma and flavor profile. Definitely something I'd keep in the fridge to enjoy whenever I felt like kicking back an easy-drinking yet flavorful stout.

Serving type: can

05-12-2013 17:42:58 | More by tectactoe

mmapes

Colorado

3.89/5  rDev -5.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

Brought a can back from Iowa. Can says 6% so I expected something relatively light. I was surprised at how black it poured, with a nice, thick, dark tan head.

Coffee smell is noticeable up front, blending nicely with the beer scents.

Mouthfeel is surprisingly viscous (rich and full) for a six-percenter. Long coffee finish has a hint of smoke. If you like coffee stouts, this one's very good. I think I like the thick stout foretaste better than the smoky/bitter aftertaste, but this one's surprisingly good.

Well done.

Might buy this one again, although I don't always like coffee stouts.

Serving type: can

04-09-2013 23:35:40 | More by mmapes

kojevergas

California

3.16/5  rDev -23.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.75

6% ABV confirmed. 16 fl oz aluminum can with appealing label art served into a conical Samuel Smith's pint glass in me gaff in low altitude Los Feliz, Los Angeles, California. Acquired from the very generous Duff27 in a trade. "Stout with Coffee added." 36 IBUs. I don't see a bottled on date. Expectations are high; I enjoyed their Hop*A*Potamus and Duff27 recommended this as a coffee-forward stout.

Served chilled and allowed to warm over the course of consumption. Side-poured with standard vigor as no carbonation issues are anticipated.

A: Pours a gorgeous dark chocolatey tan head reminiscent of hot cocoa. Three finger height, with great cream and thickness, and very good (8+ minute) retention. Light lacing sticks to the sides of the glass as the head recedes. Body colour is a solid nontransparent opaque black. No yeast particles are visible. No bubble show. Right on the money for a coffee stout, but the head colour is strange; it's dark but lacks the richness of the great coffee stouts I've seen. Hm. In any case, I'm excited to try it.

Sm: Chocolate, chocolate malt, light roast, and coffee. Little coffee roast; it definitely does seem cold-pressed. Rich coffee bean with a bit of bitterness. Light earthiness. No real cream. Chocolate isn't particularly evocative. The coffee isn't all that special either, at least compared to the great coffee stouts I've had before. Lightly burnt. Dark malts. A moderate strength aroma that isn't really selling me on the quality of the coffee. Quite assertive, but it lacks the rich creamy character of more appealing coffee stout aromas. Still, I'm looking forward to trying it. More coffee (and bitterness) comes through as it warms.

T: Hm. Metallic - its largest flaw. Coffee is definitely cold-pressed; it's got none of the roast, richness, or creaminess I want and a lot of the bitterness I hate about coffee. Little chocolate comes through at all. Boy, I'm not big on that bitterness on the climax; it destroys the balance. Caramel. Ugh, that bitterness just isn't balanced at all and adds nothing good in terms of flavour. No yeast or alcohol comes through. I'm not real big on this coffee stout, admittedly. To be honest, they do meet their goal of brewing a coffee stout reminiscent of iced coffee, but then I don't really like iced coffee. I appreciate what they're doing, but this one isn't really for me. I'm more a breakfast coffee stout kind of person. Lacks complexity and subtlety. It's not quite one note, but it's certainly simple.

Mf: Weak. Lightly undercarbonated. Smooth and wet. Lacks adequate body. Cream is sorely sorely missed here. Presence on the palate is decent. A missed opportunity.

Dr: Mainly will love this, and I wish I was one of them. But this just isn't what I want from a coffee stout; it lacks the subtlety and richness of something like Founder's Breakfast Stout or Mikkeller Beer Geek Breakfast/Brunch Weasel. The iced coffee emphasis really kills it for me, but that's probably just my personal tastes. If you want a bitter coffee stout redolent of iced coffee with little balance, this may be the beer for you. I'm glad to have tried it and will have little trouble finishing this pint, but I won't seek it out in the future. Thanks for the opportunity to try this, Duff27!

As it warmed, I came to like it more and more. But its main flaws still remained. Serve a hair below room temperature.

C+

Serving type: can

03-20-2013 04:51:34 | More by kojevergas

TheSevenDuffs

Ontario (Canada)

3.6/5  rDev -12.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Thanks to Robbie for this can. Poured in to tulip.

A - Poured dark black with one finger of cocoa brown head.

S - Big bitter coffee aroma up front with roast and sweet molasses notes.

T - Lots of roast and dark roasted coffee. Fairly big sweetness with hints of molasses and chocolate. The finish is dry and bitter.

M - Medium body. Creamy. Light carbonation.

Serving type: can

01-02-2013 23:37:27 | More by TheSevenDuffs

msubulldog25

Oregon

4.03/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

16 oz. can, picked up at John's in Iowa City in late August - a beer purchase I'd have likely skipped, if not for BA at the fingertips! Poured to a pint glass.

Around the rim of the can: 'Redband Stout --- Keepin' It Local --- Keepin' the "C" in Craft Beer'

"We love our local roaster's New Orleans Iced Coffee so much we decided to use their beans in our brew. Redband Stout is made with Indonesian and Ethiopian beans using our 18-hour cold brew extraction method"

A: Very, very dark - 'black' essentially. Head is a leathery tan, creamy and a little fluffy - it doesn't hold very long, withdrawing to a crescent ring and dimpled skim. freckles and flecks of lace and a little froth.

S: Oh, wow - SO MUCH COFFEE! Beany roast, quite pungent. Cocoa, vanilla and dark chocolate are sweeter, there's even a slight lemony/citrus squeeze. It's a potent and pleasant aroma... I could sniff this all afternoon!

T: Rich coffee roast and dark, slightly smoky malt offer plenty of dark chocolate bittering and a creeping sweetness. The dark roasted beans avoid a 'burnt' flavor, and a nice vanilla/caramel sugariness lend balance. Long-lasting dry roast finish, a little mineral-ly/sooty and oxidized.

M: Hmmmm--- for all the terrific aromas and flavors, the body here is lacking, it's low on carbonation. The flatness translates to an underwhelming feel. On the plus side, coffee roast is 'perfect' and the bitter/sweet balance is among the best I've had from this style. I searched, to no avail, for a freshness date on the can - thinking maybe the beer is old (purchase date was approximately 6 weeks ago - it has been refrigerated almost ever since).

O: Very enjoyable stout, lots of coffee and chocolate. I wish the mouthfeel had been a little sturdier, but it's overall very easy to drink and has flavors that should entice any lover of coffee and beer. Very happy to have chosen this one and wish I'd have brought back a couple more.

Serving type: can

10-13-2012 23:35:56 | More by msubulldog25

lnashsig

Texas

4.43/5  rDev +7.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

#BOTG 160! Getting really really close. Poured from can into Brooklyn tulip. This one looks like a big imperial stout! Really nice thick, dark, tar like pour, with about a half finger of dark tan head. Zero light gets through. Awesome looking stout. Smell- roasty Java, sweet milk chocolate. Taste- up front coffee blast, as expected. Its super roasty espresso beans, followed by some molasses and milk chocolate sweetness. This is an unexpected great coffee beer, I have never heard of it, but would place it near the top in its class.

Serving type: can

09-24-2012 23:43:27 | More by lnashsig

tito42

Missouri

3.98/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured from can to an imperial pint. Purcahsed 8/16/2012 while traveling in Albert Lea, MN. No date.

A: Very dark, opaque brown. Nearly black. Thick, foamy, dark cocoa head. Looks like a proper stout!

S: Very strong coffee aroma with hints of chocolate, roasted malts, and bitter hops.

T: A very distinct flavor to this one. Dark roast coffee is very prevalent. Milk chocolate, in fact somewhat of a chocolate milk flavor, backs up the coffee, with a trace of bitter hops at the finish.

M: A bit thinner than I like my stouts, but nice creaminess and smoothness. A bit of a lingering bitterness beyond what you might expect from a coffee stout.

O: Very nice coffee flavor, the coffee stout lovers should definitely try this one. An interesting milkiness to this one as well. In the end, just a bit too bitter or sour and a little thin to be truly great, but a nice entry no doubt.

Serving type: can

08-20-2012 02:12:52 | More by tito42

metter98

New York

4.05/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

A: The beer is jet black in color and poured with a quarter finger high tan head that gradually faded away, leaving only a thin ring of bubbles around the edge of the glass and some wispy lacing on the surface.
S: There are moderately strong aromas of roasted coffee beans in the nose.
T: Flavors of coffee and espresso really stand out in the taste of this beer—it’s kind of like drinking an iced coffee made with dark roasted beans. A light amount of bitterness is present.
M: It feels light- to medium-bodied on the palate and has a low to moderate amount of carbonation.
O: This beer is quite easy to drink for having an intense flavor of coffee—it’s neither very bitter nor full-bodied.

Serving type: can

08-19-2012 03:59:39 | More by metter98

dbrauneis

New Jersey

4.35/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Pours an opaque jet black in color with just the slightest hint of dark brown when held up to the light - this beer is very thick looking when poured. The beer has a finger tall dark mocha head that reduces to a thick film covering the entire surface of the beer with a slightly thicker ring at the edges of the glass. Moderate to significant amounts of lacing are observed.

S: Strong aromas of freshly roasted coffee, freshly ground coffee, and freshly brewed coffee - the smell of this beer is all about the coffee. Smells wonderful.

T: Similar to the smell, the taste is dominated by coffee - there is the smooth flavor of freshly brewed coffee along with some hints of espresso bitterness. Additionally there are lighter flavors of dark roasted malts.

M: Full bodied with light to moderate amounts of carbonation. Thick and smooth.

O: This beer has a wonderful flavor and aroma - this beer just screams out as being perfect for a weekend brunch. I really enjoyed this beer and will be happy to drink the rest of this 4 pack in the not too distant future. Easy to drink and sessionable. I put this on par with Mikkeler Beer Geek Breakfast but is significantly cheaper...

Serving type: can

08-05-2012 13:46:25 | More by dbrauneis

BigRedN

Nebraska

4.5/5  rDev +9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: Poured from the 16 oz can into a pint glass. The beer is thick looking, black in color (reminds me a bit of motor oil). My Pour produces a thick brown head that is nearly 2 inches in height. Head slowly fades to a solid cover on the beer that leaves a little lacing.

Smell: If IPA's can be described as a "hop-bomb", then this could be described as a "malt-bomb" or perhaps "coffee-bomb". The beer smells like the can says - stout with coffee added, it does not lie. Nice roasted malts, with an solid roasted coffee aroma that mixes well.

Taste: Straight in line with the scent, which a good beer should be. This is like a good cup of coffee, only its a beer. Wonderful roasted malt, with the previously mentioned roasted coffee bean. The tastes are not overpowering, but just right. The only bitterness comes from the roasted malt and a bit of bitter coffee taste.

Mouthfeel: Full bodied, no other way to put it. Thick, rich, yet goes down smooth. There appears to be minimal carbonation, yet the beer does not suffer.

Overall: A wonderful beer drinking experience. This is a well crafted stout. Purchased a 4-pack of pint cans for $6.49. Well worth the price. I'll purchase this again.

Serving type: can

08-03-2012 03:08:16 | More by BigRedN

jaasen64

Massachusetts

4.1/5  rDev -0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Growler thanks to GraniteSkunk. Poured into a Founders snifter also compliments of GraniteSkunk. Thanks a ton Granite!

A- Pours a dark opaque black with a slight purplish brown ring to it. A very thin layer of creamy mocha brown head when first poured that quickly dissipated to leave a flat glossy top. Some small carbonation bubbles here and there.

S- Espresso beans, roasted malts, some lactose sugars and a little bit of black licorice. A little bit above average aroma strength and high on the roastiness.

T- Espresso, roasted malts, dark chocolate, lactose sugars, finishes a little bit bitter with hints of dark licorice and roasted malts that linger. Nicely balanced and flavorful.

M- A little bit thin for a stout, very smooth, not too much carbonation (could have lost a little bit in the growler), easy to drink.

O- This was definitely a very good stout. Definitely one of the better ones that I've had, but not in the top echelon. It could have used a little bit more espresso in the taste and been a little bit more creamier. Other then that it was very good. I would definitely have this again and thank you Granite for sending it my way it was definitely enjoyed!

Serving type: growler

07-26-2012 01:45:55 | More by jaasen64

Beerlover

Minnesota

5/5  rDev +21.1%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

pours thick and creamy like a stout should. smells like strong/sweet coffee. tastes overwhelmingly like stong coffee with sweetness enforcing the malty flavors. this is the perfect blend of coffee and stout. i have tried a half dozen or more coffee stouts and cant find one that comes close to this (okay maybe the great divide espresso yeti, but the $$$ of redband blows that one outta the water!!). if you even have an inkling to try this beer DO IT, dont hesitate!!!

Serving type: can

06-29-2012 06:07:55 | More by Beerlover

jmarsh123

Indiana

4.55/5  rDev +10.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

16 oz can as my breakfast beer at the Indy 500.

Coal black with a tan head. Not proper glassware so can't really comment on retention or lacing.

Aroma features strong coffee presence, other roasted malts and milk chocolate.

Rich bitter coffee dominates the flavor too. There is a certain underlying milk flavor, but coffee definitely takes center stage.

Mouthfeel is where the milk stout part of this shines. Thicker bodied with medium carbonation levels create a coffee smoothie feel.

I really enjoyed this beer as a completely off the radar treat. Warning though this one is not for coffee haters. It is definite the strong flavor which I personally enjoy especially at 9 am.

Serving type: can

05-29-2012 14:10:33 | More by jmarsh123

feloniousmonk

Minnesota

4/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Here we go, another beer that proves that Iowa doesn't suck. It's just a coincidence that the Mississippi river flows southernly in it's direction. RedBand Coffee Stout from Great River Brewing of Davenport, Iowa, and the notes go here:

Great River RedBand Stout Brewed with Coffee.

Full-on blackness in this stout. Full head drifts down and departs, finishing as a tight cocoa-tinged ring.

Fresh coffee notes in the aroma, some hints of cocoa, dry and richly roasty.

Taste: Impeccable. Full-bodied, flush with coffee flavor. Long finish. Not a thing lacking in this. What more to say, what to say, what to say…there's a stout, it's full of coffee, the coffee is a little sweet, and a little bitter, and wonderfully balanced.

Never too this, not a bit too that. Floats down the throat with ease, only thing to watch out for is the caffeine. Little bit of blackberry and other fruit in the flavor, small sweetness turns dry and roasty with a quickness.

Nothing shy, nothing held back, all good in the neighborhood.

Serving type: on-tap

05-22-2012 05:35:58 | More by feloniousmonk

doucmehu

Wisconsin

1.8/5  rDev -56.4%
look: 5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 1 | feel: 3 | overall: 1.5

16oz. can purchased about a month ago in SD was poured into a Duvel tulip. No date on the can.

A: Slightly vigorous pour results in a huge pillow of deep tan head, about 4 fingers worth. Head settles to a a thin covering, and leaves very nice lacing.

S: Smells of bitter baker's chocolate, slightly medicinal, chalky mustiness where I expected to find the roasted coffee. There is some cheap brewed coffee as it warms.

T: Yuck, this is horrible. Acrid, soured, stale coffee grounds. This is infected or something, it is sour and extremely off-putting. The horrible metallic flavor is the final dagger in this beer being poured down the drain.

M: Creamy and oily with heavy carbonation. I didn't want it to stay in my mouth very long.

O: Poured just beautiful, but tasted absolutely hideous. I really hope this was infected and not a standard example. There is no way it can have high reviews if this is how it is supposed to taste. What a letdown.

Serving type: can

05-06-2012 03:47:08 | More by doucmehu

coreyfmcdonald

Georgia

4.13/5  rDev 0%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

16oz can into a tulip

A: Absolutely pitch black with two fingers of dense brown head. Even opaque on the way out of the can. I'm impressed.

S: Strong robust coffee aroma with dark chocolate and a bit of milk chocolate to balance. Roasted malts in the background.

T: Roasted malts dominate this beer with smooth yet robust coffee flavor in the background. Not much sweetness in the beer with the coffee a bit on the raw and over-roasted side, but extremely flavorful and quite nice.

M: On the heavy side with creamy carbonation.

O: This is a great stout, a bit on the raw side, but very flavorful and quite smooth. There is a ton of flavor packed into this stout and it's very enjoyable.

Serving type: can

05-04-2012 23:40:11 | More by coreyfmcdonald

garymuchow

Minnesota

4.38/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Full coffee aroma-ground coffee aroma. Not much else. Good for what it is.
Dark head that is smallish at first and then settles to to a very long lasting thin layer. Small temporary lacing after each drink. Body is pitch black.
Coffee taste with an oily quality that holds a bitterness, tartness and an occasional sweetness. Long semi-dry finish as though the coffee grounds are laying on the tongue. In there seems to be some nice roast from the grains. The grains seem to add some caramel type flavor too.
Body is moderate to a tad thin, but it seems right in this drink. Really increases the drinkabilty of a beer that would otherwise be too much richness.
I don't really have any complaints. Full flavor, nice body and drinks well. Nicely done. This beer really grows on a guy. The more I drink it the more enjoyable it gets.

Serving type: can

04-29-2012 02:06:57 | More by garymuchow