Mill Street Cobblestone Stout - Mill Street Brew Pub

IronDjinn

Alberta (Canada)

3.29/5  rDev -14.8%
look: 4.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25

From a 440 ml can, nitro-infused. So much so that I've yet to be able to open one of these without it being an explosive gusher--this stuff is under some serious pressure that wants to release as fast and with as much volume as possible. That aside what is left pours out an absolute pitch black opaque mass, impermeable to light, and crowned with a tall tight creamy beige head with excellent retention.

Burnt, roasty, somewhat sour aroma, a bit of espresso hiding beneath it all, along with some neutral sweetness.

Flavour is dry, and after that almost nondescript until it reaches a mild bittersweet finish, with a remarkably clean finish for any type of Stout.

For a nitro pour Stout the mouthfeel is on the thinner side, texture is slippery and watery for the most part, although some silky smoothness at time, while the carbonation itself is rather low.

Entry level for the style, and a little ambivalent in its own right. While the flavour is rather mild, if not completely nondescript for the most part, it is also completely inoffensive as there are no off flavours to complain about either--this is an incredibly clean tasting stout. Will make a good intro into Stouts for the macro crowd worried about "a meal in a glass" or a thick chewy dark beer, as this is neither.

Serving type: nitro-can

03-17-2013 06:38:42 | More by IronDjinn

Muhly

Alberta (Canada)

3.55/5  rDev -8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5

Poured from nitro can into shaker.

A-opaque black with some red highlights. Big tan head with cascading nitro.

S-dark roasted malts. A bit underwhelming in the aroma department, but the requisites are there.

T-roasted malts with bitter charcoal.

M-creamy and full with smooth nitro carbonation. A slight lingering malt finish, but mostly dry.

O-a very drinkable if slightly underwhelming dry stout.

Serving type: nitro-can

02-09-2013 06:01:26 | More by Muhly

TheHammer

Ontario (Canada)

2.5/5  rDev -35.2%
look: 4 | smell: 2 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 1.75 | overall: 3

Appearance: Poured with two fingers of head that retained quite well, but did not lace. The body is opaque stout black with the barest notes of ruby red. Not a lot to really say here.

Smell: I think I'm catching the barest notes of well roasted malt, but it's very mild and warming doesn't help it's case. There's just so little going on here.

Taste: Awfully tame for a stout, roasted malt is the dominant flavour, with notes of grassy hops near the end with maybe some light coffee notes. That's it, and for a stout I expect something a bit more robust.

Mouthfeel: How on earth, with a nitro can helping out does this end up tasting watery and not creamy? It's like the carbonation is only found it the head, and is completely absent from the body.

Drinkability: This is a stout that drinks like a lager. It's so tame that I'm pounding it back, but not because it's good, but because it's got just enough flavour and it is thirst quenching. A good quality to have in some cases, but not for a stout as the malt doesn't taste well roasted and it's incredibly light bodied.

Final Thoughts: This is a Mill St brew that I looked forward to for the longest time, I tried it on tap once before this and was shocked at what it was. I thought maybe there was something wrong with the tap, but no the nitro can has not fared even remotely better. I'm not quite sure why this beer is so well spoken of.

Serving type: nitro-can

01-27-2013 01:17:35 | More by TheHammer

joemcgrath27

Alberta (Canada)

4.03/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

I have enjoyed this on tap several times, but this is my first good chance to review
A - annoyingly the can erupted when I cracked it even though its just been sitting in the fridge undisturbed .... after cleaning up it poured like a good stout should with a pitch black colour and two fingers of creamy head
S - big on roastiness along with some coffee and mild cherry aromas
T - roasty and nutty up front, some espresso bitter flavour, and some whole grain to round it out
M - chewy, creamy smooth, lightly bitter
O - this is rock solid english stout, given the on tap choice of this or Guinness, i'm probably taking a Cobblestone

Serving type: can

01-18-2013 05:11:06 | More by joemcgrath27

ecoastman

Ontario (Canada)

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

I'm pleasantly surprised by this beer since I wasn't expecting too much. Overall it's a very drinkable stout. I'll probably look to keep this in my beer fridge as an regular drinking go-to stout.

Pours opague from the nitro-can and provides a dense draft-like head. Nice aroma of toasted nuts (some burnt almond in the background), chocolate, coffee and molasses. Very nicely balanced and not extreme on any given flavour and the mouthfeel is smooth and creamy.

Worth a try if you're looking for a good drinkable stout.

Serving type: nitro-can

12-31-2012 02:44:48 | More by ecoastman

pieman25

Ontario (Canada)

3.93/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Found a tallboy of this stuff at the LCBO, apparently it's nitro, I bought it because I've been craving a nice dry stout, and it hasn't let me down!

Appearance - nice mocha head on top of a near pitch-black body when held up to the light - it had only a few hints of red at the bottom. I have to say, this is stout porn.

Smell - some burnt-toast roasty malts, some grassiness, can't complain much here either.

Taste - pretty good, plenty of roasted malt character to be found, but also had a bit of sourness near the end of it. It finishes by coating my mouth some some nice sweet maltiness.

Mouthfeel - a near absence of carbonation, with a nice medium body, it also coats your mouth a bit as well. Better than guinness, but I haven't had many other stouts, especially not in a while.

Impressions: I got this beer because I've been on a bit of a pale fizzy lager kick, and I've been REALLY wanting a good stout that isn't guinness. I have to say, this is certainly better than guinnes, with a bit more body but still light on the alcohol, and I have completely enjoyed this pint. If you're on the lookout for a nice non-heavy, no-nonsense sessionable stout, this should be it!

Serving type: nitro-can

12-21-2012 04:09:34 | More by pieman25

EgadBananas

Louisiana

4.08/5  rDev +5.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours black as night after the cascading subsides. A creamy cream colored head of about two fingers adorns. Retention is epic. The aroma is slightly toasty with a roasted malt note and light sweet chocolate. Taste is roasted and toasty, some bread crusts, light bakers cocoa. The feel is excellent. It's creamy, rich, with a full feeling body. Goes down smooth and clean.

This is a great, sessionable stout and one of the best I've had from a nitro-can. I'd pound these during football games in a heartbeat!

Serving type: nitro-can

12-20-2012 00:13:25 | More by EgadBananas

canucklehead

British Columbia (Canada)

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

cool , a nitro stout at just above 4% ABV in a can from Mill Street. Pours jet black with a huge creamy tan head. The nose is roasty and slightly nutty and the flavours are quite big on the initial sip but fade on the finish. Better than regular Guinness though as I like the bite in the midbody which the Irish stout lacks. Would buy this if they releases it as single tallboys in the stores.

Serving type: nitro-can

12-13-2012 02:32:53 | More by canucklehead

JohnnyBarman

Ontario (Canada)

3.43/5  rDev -11.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Been a while since I've had this, so it was nice to see it on the shelves, albeit in cans.

Nitro pour. Settles into a dark chocolate - black in colour, impenetrable. Thick tan head, great retention, lots of lacing.

Nose is hard to detect, but you get a bit of roasted malt, coffee, caramel.

Decent stout, nothing spectacular, but a solid canned brew. Roasty malt, coffee, a bit if sweet malt, dry toasted grain finish.

Watery, somewhat creamy, pretty typical for nitro can stuff.

Will probably make a regular appearance in the fridge, though it's nothing spectacular. Just a decent canned stout.

Serving type: nitro-can

12-10-2012 00:48:56 | More by JohnnyBarman

leaddog

Alberta (Canada)

3.75/5  rDev -2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Appearance- Pours a jet black with two fingers of creamy beige head.

Smell- Roasted malts, barley, hint of cocoa/coffee bean.

Taste- Pretty much the same as the aroma. However, the roasted notes play a stronger role.

Mouthfeel- Light to medium bodied with light carbonation. Pleasant smoothness and creaminess.

Overall- An easy drinking and flavourful English stout by Mill Street. Stays true to its heritage with the roasted malt, cocoa, and coffee flavours. I can see this as a "pub favourite".

Serving type: nitro-can

12-08-2012 04:14:33 | More by leaddog

korguy123

Ontario (Canada)

3.68/5  rDev -4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Completely black pour. No light coming thorough. Four finger creamy, tan head. Lacing coats the glass very well.

Chocolate, coffee and toast. Very simple smelling, and very inviting.

Bitter chocolate, dark roasted coffee and fresh baked bread. The nitro really does strip some flavors. It's still very good but I know it could be more flavorful.

Light body, good carbonation and wonderfully creamy from the nitro.

This is my new go to beer. I have lost track how many I've bought since it hit shelves.

Serving type: nitro-can

12-05-2012 23:51:17 | More by korguy123

SebD

Ontario (Canada)

3.55/5  rDev -8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Appearance: It has a nice dark brown,almost black color to it with some ruby shining through. It has a nice thick beige head that came from the cascade that dies down slowly and leaves little lacing.

Smell: The aromas definitely give out hints of roasted malts, chocolate and coffee. Fairly mild.

Taste: Like the aromas, it has a some roasted malts, light chocolate and coffee and some bitterness.

Mouthfeel: It has a low carbonation with a somewhat light and thin overall balance and feel.

Drinkability: It's a very smooth drinkable beer accompanied with decent flavors and aromas.

Serving type: nitro-can

12-04-2012 21:25:10 | More by SebD

Phyl21ca

Quebec (Canada)

3.03/5  rDev -21.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

Can: Poured a black color stout with a huge creamy head with great retention and some lacing. Aroma of faint black chocolate is a bit too light for my taste and probably diminished by the amount of nitro used in this can. Taste is also a bit bland with some light notes of chocolate and some light dry roasted notes. Body is a bit light with great carbonation. The nitro makes for a nice creamy taste but kills also lots of the flavour which isn’t the best of things in this particular case.

Serving type: bottle

11-30-2012 19:48:30 | More by Phyl21ca

Kremlock

Ontario (Canada)

3.18/5  rDev -17.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A: Pours a cascading beer and head (on nitro). Head is a solid 1 to 1 1/2 inch thick. Head is creamy and slightly off white. Beer is very very dark and deep mahogany.

S: Chocolate and roasted coffee dominate the nose followed by slight pine.

T: Hints of chocolate and a vague presence of roasted malts. Hops have a bitterness presence. Late in the sip you get more roastiness

M: Thin and low carbonation. A bit too low in my opinion especially that the body is that thin on the palate.

O: This is a safe stout. thin, low carbonation, low IBU, low roastiness, low chocolate, low dryness. More of an introductory stout then something I'd expect of a craft brew.

Serving type: nitro-can

11-26-2012 01:23:49 | More by Kremlock

papat444

Quebec (Canada)

3.63/5  rDev -6%
look: 5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

This reviews caps all my serving types. Thanks jrenihan for this one.

Poured from a 440ml. can, canned Oct. 29, 2012 (lot K2912).

Appearance: The pour is all head (color of light chocolate milk) but slowly morphs into a nice cascading effect that is gorgeous. The result is a separation between the head and the black body by a layer of dark brown that slowly concedes to the above and below. Very creamy and slathered on the glass.

Smell: Chocolate chunks mixed with milk chocolate. Bit shy.

Taste: Chocolate is milky in flavor, has a low roasted taste and a finish reminiscent of chocolate covered biscuits.

Mouthfeel: Smoother than smooth as the nitro does its thing. The middle loses a bit of substance but overall, this is very drinkable.

Overall: Would have liked a bit more flavor profile but you get what you pay for with nitro and it's good overall.

Serving type: nitro-can

11-24-2012 03:02:38 | More by papat444

spinrsx

Ontario (Canada)

3.53/5  rDev -8.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

440ml Can from the Ottawa LCBO for 2.50$

Appearance - The can started gushing out all over the place when I opened it.. so beware. Black/Brown colour with with a massive frothy light-brown head. I can't make out the amount of carbonation showing and there is some great lacing. The head lasted for over 5 minutes.

Smell - Malts, chocolate, coffee

Taste & Mouth - There is a below average amount of carbonation and I can taste malts, chocolate, and some roasted nuts. There is also a grainy corn syrup like flavour and it ends with a malty slightly bitter aftertaste.

Overall - A great appearance (and most nitro-cans have) and a very drinkable taste. Nothing too potent, just a nice mix of subtle flavours. Just a slighty above average stout in my books.

Serving type: nitro-can

11-24-2012 00:55:16 | More by spinrsx

bryehn

Ontario (Canada)

4.03/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pretty much opaque black with dark ruby around edges. Once the cascade is done, there’s a solid inch of frothy light beige head.

Thick, dark roasted malt aroma, with a grassy tone and hints of chocolate, musty wood and coffee.

The taste has a warm smoky and woody character with a rich roasted malt body. Grain and fruit accents brighten the taste before a solid bitter finish. The dark flavours co-mingle in the aftertaste. Thick, grainy mouthfeel with a pronounced creaminess and little carbonation..

First mass-produced nitro can from a craft brewer in Canada, this is a textbook example of a pub-style stout. It’s rich, satisfying, warm and mellow. The smoke and wood characteristics add a layer of heartiness without being overbearing. I hope to see the local Ottawa favourite Valley Irish Red get canned as well.

Serving type: nitro-can

11-06-2012 18:51:12 | More by bryehn

thehyperduck

Ontario (Canada)

3.78/5  rDev -2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

440 mL can from the LCBO. This canned 'nitrogen-charged' serving seems to be a relatively new product from Mill Street - but it's a welcome release in my eyes, because there aren't a lot of widely-available Ontario stouts these days. In fact, Black Creek's and Hockley's are the only two I can think of, and as far as I know Hockley stopped brewing theirs a few months ago.

Pours a pitch black colour, totally opaque, and topped with two fingers of dense, pillowy, tan-coloured head. Retention is quite good; the head takes a few minutes to thin out to a more manageable volume, but a half-inch of foam clings to the surface for the entirety of the drink. The aroma is enjoyable, but contains nothing very unique or memorable; heavy on the roasted malts (as I'd hope), with hints of dark chocolate and roasted coffee. Could stand to be a bit more intense, but it's enticing enough I suppose.

Much like the aroma, the flavour is approachable and to-style, but not much else. The backbone is a tasty blend of roasted, bready malts, baker's chocolate and a faint hint of coffee grounds. Sweetness is more prominent early in the sip, with a nice, bittersweet dryness finishing it off, encouraging you to repeat the process quickly. The mouthfeel is wonderfully creamy and smooth, with a body on the light side of medium. The nitro carbonation is obviously a very large factor here - it's something you either love or hate, but a widespread-enough feature that you probably already know how you'll feel about it. I think it works quite well in this case, cooperating nicely with the brew's smooth, mild flavour. Ridiculously drinkable.

Final Grade: 3.78, a very respectable B+. I can't attest to the quality of this can compared to the on-tap counterpart, but I knows what I likes, and I like Mill Street's Cobblestone Stout more than most of the other major beers in their portfolio. Definitely not a complex affair, but that's not what it's trying to be - this is a smooth, straightforward, no-nonsense stout that was clearly made with sessionability in mind.

This is the sort of brew that could easily become a staple, given the lack of comparable offerings available throughout much of the province. The mild flavour, silky-smooth mouthfeel and low abv all come together to create an impressively sessionable brew - one that is well worth a try. Now if I could only find it on tap somewhere around here...

Serving type: nitro-can

11-05-2012 04:03:21 | More by thehyperduck

Converge

Alberta (Canada)

3.7/5  rDev -4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

20oz. Reviewed from notes.

A - Pours totally black with a thin mocha head that retains pretty well. Leaves some nice lacing.

S - Maybe some mild roasted malt. Probably one of the most mild aromas I've ever gotten from a beer, let alone a stout. This smells like almost nothing.

T - Light roasted malt with some coffee like bitterness in the finish. Things are kept pretty mild here overall. A bit creamy, with some hints of dark chocolate coming through slowly. Nothing exceptional.

M - Quite creamy, full bodied. Feels nice and smooth like a beer in this style should. Definitely reminds me of a Guinness in this department.

D - An enjoyable brew from Mill Street. For what it is, it's alright, but I thought there was definitely some room for improvement. Maybe I'll review a bottle if I can find one.

Serving type: on-tap

02-20-2012 04:51:15 | More by Converge

hopsolutely

Ontario (Canada)

3.95/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A creamy and satisfyingly tasty stout.

Beautifully clear and dark, opaque except red highlights at the edges of the glass when held up to light. Head is thick and coffee-coloured, with impressive lacing. Mouthfeel is delightful, creamy and thick without being cloying.

Aroma of dark roasted malts and hints of chocolate, are further developed in the well balanced taste. The finish is pleasantly dry and lingers for a long time.

Enjoy this on its own, or to add body to a blend with any fruit beer. One of my pub favourites that I've been negligent in not reviewing until tonight!

Serving type: on-tap

02-04-2012 21:40:47 | More by hopsolutely

Stocean1

Ontario (Canada)

3.65/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured a one finger head with great retention and plenty of lacing ringing the side of the glass throughout. Nearly black with some brown highlights.

Smell is light malt, some hops and coffee notes.

Taste follows the nose with a metallic note. Some dark fruit and bitter hops.

Mouth is on the light side for a stout with some carbonation. Relatively smooth but not creamy.

A beautiful looking stout with an average taste.

Serving type: on-tap

10-28-2011 19:18:56 | More by Stocean1

liamt07

Ontario (Canada)

3.78/5  rDev -2.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On nitro-tap at Bryden's, into a pint glass.

Poured black, with the expected Guinness "cascading" nitro body. Thick and real creamy tan head with fantastic retention and some good lace. Nose has some roasty and dark chocolate notes. A bit of coffee. Taste continues the coffee and roast grain notes, a bit of chocolate and a metallic note. Mouthfeel is medium, but appears slightly watery at times. Low carbonation, but smooth in feel. A drinkable stout, if not spectacular in flavour profile.

Serving type: nitro-tap

10-19-2011 19:30:28 | More by liamt07

dgilks

Australia

3.58/5  rDev -7.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Very dark brown colour which is still translucent. Nice creamy tan head with great head retention.

Moderate roasty aroma with some chocolate and a touch of smoke. Fine.

Moderately roasty with a touch of herbal hop. Bitter chocolate is fine. Fairly straightforward.

Medium body with moderate carbonation. Good.

A solid stout with good flavour. It’s nothing exceptional but it does the job reasonably well and is enjoyable enough.

Serving type: nitro-tap

10-17-2011 12:43:39 | More by dgilks

tbeckett

Ontario (Canada)

4.13/5  rDev +7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pint at Arrow and Loon. From notes.

A - Poured with a thick, reamy beige head that sat at one finger for the duration of the pint. Black in colour with just a bit of light coming through. Great lace.

S - Roasty with chocolate and a touch of coffee. Very nice and inviting. What I look for in a lower strength stout.

T - Smoky, coffee, roasty malt in a big way and a little chocolate. Typical but spot on the way it should be.

M - Good low carbonation, medium creamy body with a nice dry/bitter finish.

O/D - Really nice, smooth, good, proper stout. Sessionable to the highest degree. Well crafted.

Serving type: on-tap

09-24-2011 15:08:42 | More by tbeckett

wordemupg

Alberta (Canada)

4.1/5  rDev +6.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

pint at Craft Beer Market July 25 2011

A very dark cola with a maroon glow when held to the light, not much room for head with the pour near the top of the glass but what room there is a super tight light mocha foam fills. I drank two beers waiting for this one to warm up and the foam went nowhere, it left continuous lace right down the glass pretty impressive

S chocolate milk with some coco powder and raisin

T some faint coffee on top of what I smell, simple but good, fairly dry but not completely

M enters silky and quickly creams up, thicker then I expected pretty nice feel

O a bit of a surprise for me, pretty solid beer from a brewery I`ve had mixed results from

worth trying for sure and something I didn`t expect to see on tap here in Calgary

Serving type: nitro-tap

07-27-2011 03:31:26 | More by wordemupg