Captain Stout - Alpine Beer Company

MiScusi

California

4.47/5  rDev +19.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

12-30-07
On tap at the Stone Bistro/Gardens. Poured a real dark black, just how you would expect a stout to be colored, but the bartender poured it with pretty much no head. The smell was pretty sweet, chocolate and roasted coffee. The taste was also very similar, with a lot of roasted coffee coming through but it wasn't too bitter, the chocolate seemed to override it enough. A real tasty sweet stout.
4/4.5/4.5/4/4

3/7/08
From a growler purchased 1 week ago at Alpine. Pours with a clear black that is ruby red at the corners. Nice light tan head builds up but fades fairly fast. This from a few inches away this beer smells of high roastiness. But when you get your nose into it a ton of caramel and a little chocolate come out. The taste is like a sweet caramel liquid. It's a pretty savory beer, with some roasted bitterness at the end to still let ya know it's a stout. Upgraded rankings to 4/4.5/4.5/4.5/4.5

Serving type: on-tap

12-30-2007 05:44:37 | More by MiScusi

Stoneman78

California

3.63/5  rDev -2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured into a Duvel tulip glass
A- Pours a solidly opaque black hue, head is full of off-white biog bubble that dissipates to a relatively thin layer, lacing is moderate on the glass
S- Nose is big-time dominated by huge coffee flavors, this is as close to a cup of java that I can think of, tons of roast and a surprising absence of any other malts or hops, i hope you like coffee!
T- Initial taste is unsurprisingly dominated by bitter and roasty coffee flavors, some slight hops peek through, but this is totally java-forward
M- Light-to-medium bodied, watery texture, light carbonation
D- Very easy-to-drink stout at 5%abv, this is definitely a good match for coffee lovers (everyone else will be less impressed), there are more solid options in both the Stout and Alpine categories (hopefully)
Buy again? Probably not (not a big coffee fan)
Personal score- 72/100

Serving type: bottle

11-29-2007 06:40:23 | More by Stoneman78

HoustonTX

Texas

4.15/5  rDev +11%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Excellent pour, mocha bright swirling lace, which forms a nice 3/4 inch head.

Deep engrossing unique dark twisting malt scentalation.

Piney, resiny hops. All along a semi-thick, unfiltered malt base. Overall flavors include - pine sap, decaf coffee, green tea leaves, bitter dark chocolate, hint of smokiness(Cuban cigar note), and more dark chocolaty goodness.

I really enjoy the general flavor tone this Stout has produced.
For the alcohol percentage, 6%, I think this proves to all of us, that bigger is not always better. Great true unfiltered thick Cali Stout, which is just simply extremely enjoyable.

Seek this one out if at all possible. It's a very delicious Stout.

Much thanks to Ryan for the chance to sample this one.

Serving type: bottle

11-24-2007 05:19:20 | More by HoustonTX

Viggo

Ontario (Canada)

4.03/5  rDev +7.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Thanks to blankboy for bringing this to the table, its definately a treat.

Pours a clear brown/red, thick tan head forms, nice lacing, very thick layer, looks like a stout. Smell is caramelized, roasted grain, vanilla and chocolate, nice and dry, cherries, some grain, nice. Taste is malty, oats, toffee, chocolate and coffee roast, light fruits, nice rich finish. Mouthfeel is medium bodied with low to medium carbonation, nice dry roasty finish. Pretty decent stout, very enjoyable. Thanks Paul!

Serving type: bottle

11-19-2007 18:17:11 | More by Viggo

WeisGuy

New York

4.4/5  rDev +17.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

22oz. bomber into a pint glass

a - pours deep dark black with a three-finger khaki colored head, good retention and lacing, great looking stout

s - aroma is of deeply roasted malt and coffee, some hints of caramel and bittersweet chocolate as well, some hops are evident

t - roasted malt up front with a body of dark chocolate and coffee, finish bitter up front with strong coffee notes with some slight hop bitterness and evolves into a sweeter caramelly taste

m - nice and creamy in the mouth, medium-to-full bodied, moderate carbonation, finish is nicely balanced between sweetness and dryness

d - very drinkable stout, complex and interesting yet pretty easy on the palate and a manageable abv

Very good stout here...another stellar offering from Alpine. This might not quite be on the level of Cadillac Mtn., but it's not far behind.

Serving type: bottle

09-23-2007 23:44:49 | More by WeisGuy

BeerTruth

Connecticut

4.4/5  rDev +17.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

22 oz. bottle poured into a pint glass.

Pours a complete black with not a single bit of light coming through with a dark tan one finger head with large bubbles that quickly dies down to just about nothing. Stickiness is hardly there, disappointing in a sense...but looks can be deceiving! Smell is a great combination of roasted barley, dark chocolate malt, and french roast coffee. Sweet caramel malt is definitely there too, love this one on the nose. Tatste starts off with a fresh roasted coffee flavor soon followed by a quick hop bite. Midway through is a perfect caramel sweetness. This one ends with a big roasted barley flavor that lasts and lasts on the tongue. Mouthfeel is surprisingly light bodied with some graininess and a fair amount of carbonation. Great drinkability for this one due to the light body and complete absence of alcohol in the nose and on the tongue. Great brew overall, definitely get a hold of this one if you have the chance. Alpine continues to produce great brews.

Serving type: bottle

09-11-2007 01:33:14 | More by BeerTruth

franksnbeans

Ohio

4.18/5  rDev +11.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Pours an opaque black with a delicious chocolate head that is sticky and laces steadily. Smells of roasted coffee beans, ground coffee beans and minimal malt and caramel. Finishes with a bite of hops. Medium in the mouth with some nice carbonation. Drinkability is decent, it’s not a sipper but it’s not a session beer. Overall a tasty offering.

Serving type: bottle

09-01-2007 05:36:59 | More by franksnbeans

seaoflament

California

4.47/5  rDev +19.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I wanted to try this one for a while and I’m glad that it’s now bottled. Picked this one up about two or three weeks ago and I can’t wait any longer to try it.

This stout pours thick and dark with two fingers of mocha colored head. The foam dies down to a thin layer. The aroma is intense with roasted and chocolate malts, bitter-sweet chocolate, coffee, toffee, and oatmeal. There is also a nice subtle hop aroma in the background as well. The taste is just like it says on the label “leading the crew is the big, roasty malt character that has hints of chocolate and coffee…” The “roasty malt character” is upfront while there is a nice coffee finish.

The mouthfeel is nice and thick while being fairly smooth. This has turn into a staple stout to be in my beer fridge, and for only $3.99 per 22oz. bottle is incredible. Great job for Alpine.

Serving type: bottle

08-16-2007 02:08:20 | More by seaoflament

rallison

California

4.43/5  rDev +18.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours a beautiful black with a 2 finger light brown head. Smells ridiculously good - tons of chocolate and coffee here.

Taste follows suit nicely. Lots and lots of chocolate here - a mix of dark and milk, with a good touch of coffee. Also has a slight taste of dark fruits.

Mouthfeel is relatively rich for a stout, with a nice dryness.

Drinkability is exceptionally good.

Highly recommended. One of the best American stouts I have had - and loaded with chocolate - an excellent thing. And yes, Alpine is indeed bottling this now.

Serving type: bottle

07-29-2007 05:40:01 | More by rallison

tonistruth

Nevada

4.2/5  rDev +12.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

on tap @ Pizza Port Carlsbad in Carlsbad, CA

A- pitch black (until only a sip or two of brown is left, then its a deep wooden brown with red hues), 1 finger creamy mocha colored head, good retent, thin lacing rings all down glass

S- rich chocolate, dry roasted malts

T- creamy chocolate and roasted malts, dry roasted chocolate malts, some coffee, hints of caramel, delicious

M- smooth and creamy, dry finish, brew feels as if it evaporates off your tongue, carbonation nearly undetectable

D- fits style well, flavor is excellent, would pair well with desserts or could be one on it's own, sessionable, recommended

Serving type: on-tap

04-03-2007 07:07:13 | More by tonistruth

Westsidethreat

California

4.25/5  rDev +13.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On tap at Stone World Bistro

A: Jacobean color with medium tope head that disapates at an average pace. Just a few stray floaters remain on top with a ring around the glass.

S: Black patent malt, fresh espresso and cream.

T: Begins charred but moves quickly to a fruity like profile. Some grape, strawberry, pineapple mixes with vanilla cream to make the drinker think the stout isn't going to live up to its namesake. But then...the roasted in with coffee leadign the way. Finishes bitter, a little dirty and a little chocolaty.

M: Medium body but thinner across the palate than one would expect. Ok though as the carbonation fits just fine.

D: Good balance with nice complexity. Hand crafted and well done. Another fine beer from Alpine.

Serving type: on-tap

12-26-2006 06:25:38 | More by Westsidethreat

scottoale

California

4.5/5  rDev +20.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Had this one a couple of times at O'Brien's this past week and for good reason...this is a damn tasty stout. From the nitro-tap poured into a pint glass is a black-ass brown thick ale with an upwelling thick creamy cocoa head of everlasting proportion. Lace...fat, thick rings telltale every sip with tons of it, sticking all over the glass. It's a real beauty on nitro.

On the nose is a deep, bitter espresso and some dark toasty, roasted malt with bakers chocolate undertones.

The flavor is all of the above...super rich, smooth and creamy...very tasty with a nice bitter finish. Full body with a smoothness that is easy to swallow and a mild ABV that makes it all too easy to drink. A great breakfast or dessert beer...highly recommended, cheers!

Serving type: nitro-tap

12-16-2006 23:23:36 | More by scottoale

kmcnair

California

4.3/5  rDev +15%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Pours a deep dark brown, but not quite black, its like peering into a glass of the abyss, floating atop is a clean tanned crown that fades into a small halo. Aroma of toasted caramels, burnt maple and rich roasted espresso beans. Flavor is a huge caramel malted complexity featuring notes of bittersweet chocolate, caramel, toasted brown sugar, fresh coffee and maple syrup. Mouthfeel is soft and creamy with a super dry finish. A really great offering from Alpine and one of the better dry stouts out there, definitely worth a try or even a session. Not to be missed on cask!!

Serving type: on-tap

04-18-2006 05:13:36 | More by kmcnair

OStrungT

California

4.83/5  rDev +29.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

This beer pours an inky black with a fluffy brown head. The ehad fades slowly, leaving a decent lacing.

This beer has a chocolate aroma to it. I can also detect some sweet caramel aromas. It is malty. It smells very slightly of coffee. Also, I can detect a roasted malt aroma.

This beer tastes wonderful. It has a malty flavor. I taste some mild chocolate. Also, I taste some sweet caramel. A very slight hop flavor is present. This is what a Stout should taste like.

This beer goes down very smooth, leaving a chocolate malt aftertaste. It is carbonated to perfection.

This beer would make an excelent session beer. It is not high in alcohol, and the flavor is not aggressive. This might be one of the best Stouts I have ever had. If Alpine bottled this, I would definately keep a stock of it in my beer fridge.

Serving type: growler

02-12-2006 00:29:03 | More by OStrungT

oggg

California

4.1/5  rDev +9.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap at PizzaPort Solana Beach. Went great with a BBQ bacon cheeseburger pizza on whole grain crust...

This beer came out of the tap with mounds and mounds of dark brown foam. This dark dark brown stout had a smooth noble hop floral aroma with a fainter roast background. This beer tastes way bigger than 5.5%. It's terribly smooth with a firm hoppy bitterness up front. No sour notes. Finishes just slightly dry.

Overall: excellent quaffable smooth stout.

Serving type: on-tap

01-10-2006 03:05:55 | More by oggg

Gusler

Arizona

4.15/5  rDev +11%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Draught @ Alpine Brewery
The beers pours a pitch black with a smallish chocolate head, the texture spumous and the lace thick and sticky. Nose has a light coffee and chocolate aroma with sweet malt underneath, start is sweet and has a pleasing malt presence, top is moderate in feel. Finish has a nice bit of hops and the acidity mild to moderate, very dry and lingering aftertaste, a nice stout overall.

Serving type: on-tap

06-14-2004 21:41:57 | More by Gusler

ppoitras

Massachusetts

4.13/5  rDev +10.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Refillable growler received from Xlperro as part of Growler-It-Forward 2.0. Thanks for the opportunity.

First imperial pint glass pours with a dense light brown 3/4" head, over this very, very dark brown, almost black hued brew. Head showed amazing staying power, and the aroma was strongly of coffee and chocolate grains. Following along those lines, the taste was as well of the roasted malts. Mouthfeel and drinkability were excellent for such a heavy brew. Wish I could try it over and over to make sure I've got my rating correct...

Serving type: growler

05-16-2004 03:27:37 | More by ppoitras

tavernjef

Minnesota

4.4/5  rDev +17.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Nearly black yet deceivingly dark as dark brown can get. Medium loosely frothy broken chocolate brown colored crown that remains constant for a good measure; lace in minimal spots. Aroma is packed with solid roasted malt with some nice espresso and dark chocolate notes creeping through. Not fully potent or strong really but very nice to let simmer and wiff. Taste is well rounded with a smooth chocolate front thats favorably dark and lush with a creamy lingering into the middle where espresso flavors really meld in incredibly nicely. Oh, so close to burnt roasted espresso-like flavors and the bittering is subdued enough for full enjoyment. Quite nice to behold. Hence the finish, where it gets a bit of everything mixing and changing with a sweetened roast filled espresso dryness that has a chocolate twinge of bitterness to top it off. Feel is smooth and close to full with a good amount of give in each sip and is a bit sweet in areas with an espresso and chocolatey drying coming through from midway all the way to its remarkable little finish. Nice lingering capabilities with the bittering and espresso. This reminds me alot of the Bell's Java Stout, just not as over the top as the Bell's but right up there just the same. Big thanks to the Big Dog for sending me a refilled and capped bottle (from a growler I'm assuming).

Serving type: bottle

04-17-2004 03:49:05 | More by tavernjef

TheLongBeachBum

California

4.58/5  rDev +22.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

A recent visit to the Alpine Beer Company with fellow BA’s xlperro and EyeChartBrew, on 12th July 2003, gave me the opportunity to try several of the ABC beers that are not yet bottled (though this may alter in the near future). They are however currently available to buy here in 5, or 15.5, Gallon Kegs, or just for filling up an ABC Growler which you can purchase for $5, and fill for $7.

ABC Name: Captain Stout.
ABC Description: Chocolate –Oatmeal Dry Stout.
ABC Listed Strength: 5.5%ABV.

Presentation: 4oz Sampler for 50¢.

Appearance: Dark brown, so much so that it often looked black when sat on the small Sampling Room Counter, but on closer examination it is a very dark brown. A leather tan head remained as a thin bubbly covering for the duration.

Nose: Deep roast malt and some coffee odors. A strong nose with a very rich “quality ingredient” aspect to it. Very nice.

Taste: Lovely smooth, rich roasted malts that swirl well in the mouth and coat the inside of the cheeks like melted dark chocolate. Bitterness in the middle measures out the roast malt and chocolate aspects, whilst the coffee elements balance all this very nicely into a well-balanced, astringent finish.

Mouthfeel: Extremely impressive and very accomplished mouthfeel that lingers for some time. Dry finish on the palate is very memorable.

Drinkability: The sampler disappeared with little problem, its silky smooth feel and balanced tastes, make this a fantastic quaffer. At 5.5%, this would kick ass on draft.

Overall: One of the best Dry ‘Irish’ Stouts I have had in a very long time. The first of my ABC samplers, and still my favorite, after the other three. A larger glass would have been ordered for sure if I had not been on a quest to try as many of the offerings as possible in the limited time we had, as well as the fact that it was very early in a long day’s tour of San Diego beer establishments. Highly recommended for filling Growlers, or any container for that matter, including your stomach.

Serving type: on-tap

07-16-2003 04:08:23 | More by TheLongBeachBum