Pike Street XXXXX Stout - Pike Pub & Brewery

NeroFiddled

Pennsylvania

4.47/5  rDev +11.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Beautiful dark appearance. The body is a completely opaque black and the head is a creamy orange-brown. It drops quickly to just a collar and thin surface covering, but it leaves some very nice lace as well. The aroma expresses a sharp fruitiness, but it's not exactly the "burnt currant" aroma that's so common to the style. I expected it might lead into a tart flavor, but there's nothing like that here. With further investigation and a few swirls of the glass, some smokiness and even light caramel become apparent. It's not a really complex or rich aroma, but it's quite intriguing! The body is full with a mild and exceptionally fine carbonation that's silky smooth across the palate. Quite velvety! The flavor delivers the fruitiness promised by the nose, but it's awash in rich bittersweet chocolate and espresso-like roastiness. A bold bitterness balances and dries things out in the long finish where a distinctly smoky and acrid roastiness lingers. An exceptional stout that stands out for its unique character. Well worth seeking out!

Serving type: bottle

02-24-2003 18:33:56 | More by NeroFiddled

aracauna

Georgia

3.3/5  rDev -17.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 2.5

Nice pour, deep opaque black with an easy, thick creamy head that clings to the sides of the glass. It's not exactly long-lasting, but it never fully fades (ends up thin cream layer that's too thick for a film, but kind of like a like coat of moss or lichens). The aroma is a little weak, but roasty. The flavor is as strong as it should be but it dominated and unbalanced by too much burned bitterness. A bit of smokiness lingers underneath. The lack of balance makes this less than a joy to drink, but intriguing at the same time.

Serving type: bottle

12-23-2002 23:23:26 | More by aracauna

cokes

Wisconsin

4.45/5  rDev +10.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Virtually jet black, with just a few hints ruby. Deep brown head builds quickly and fades almost as fast.
Mocha, smoke, hints of berry sweetness and subtle hops enter the nose.
Enters the mouth with a smooth roasted flavors. Not harsh roasted, more of a mellow mocha. The chocolate notes are never explicit, but the seem to lurk within the other flavors. There is a pronounced smokiness here as well as some dirty, earthy flavors (in the best way possible). Deeper within the black heart of the beer lies some carmel sweetness and hints of fruit (cherry). Prickly hops end this one. Big enough to balance the heavy load, but nothing showy in themselves.
Silken smooth body, with a fair deal of carbonation. I could stand for just a little more heft, but now I am splitting hairs.
This is a nice one. Sorry to see it gone so fast.

Thanxxxxx, jreitman.

Serving type: bottle

10-22-2002 20:57:50 | More by cokes

jreitman

California

4.3/5  rDev +7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Opaque black beer with a dark brown head. Exactly as advertised in that it is an over the top stout. Roasted coffee and some good hop bitterness dominate the flavor. Chocolate is hidden well but can be discerned (or imagined). Sweetness is kept to a minimum. Very enjoyable and interesting brew.

Serving type: bottle

10-05-2002 22:56:59 | More by jreitman

mattmaples

Oregon

4.65/5  rDev +15.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

It is that time of year again!!! The Pike XXXXX stout hit town and man is it good!!! Blacker than night, thick chewy mouth feel, coffee, smokey, roasty flavors work together and finish with a light hop flavor and bitterness.

With this level of malt and alcohol it definately has aging potential. I just wish more of it was brought down.

The head could have been better, specially with the thicker body but the flavor was right on the mark.

Serving type: bottle

09-21-2002 14:45:04 | More by mattmaples