2X Stout - Southern Tier Brewing Company

martyl1000

Wisconsin

4.3/5  rDev +13.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On tap at Roast Public House (Madison). When I first had this in a bomber last summer, I didn't love it. It seemed light weight that time.

But now on tap I appreciate its virtues, while not feeling its drawbacks are as pronounced as from the bottle. The aroma is still not much to speak of. And the flavor isn't exactly competitive with the better imperial stouts (Southern Tier calls this a "double stout", aka, imperial). But the lively carbonation and lighter body fill a niche in the imperial stout genre: the refreshing, highly sessionable imperial stout. The flavor is an imperial coffee stout w/ no alchoholic phenols or sharpness, at all.

In the mouth it is lighter weight at first, like a porter, but then the creaminess pulls things together.

Serving type: on-tap

12-14-2012 04:59:15 | More by martyl1000

mdcrouser

Missouri

3.53/5  rDev -6.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

In truth, this beer has been hiding in the beer fridge since last spring, awaiting a cold winter night like tonight. It pours thick, black, like the sky it reflects, with a thin ring at the edge, much like tonight's crescent moon.

Aromatic like cold black coffee and dark chocolate, roasty and filling the entire nose with big smells. It is not though a head-filler, which I'd expect from a double.

Thick and slightly syrupy, with puffs of smoke, charcoal, chocolate and coffee - the charcoal comes through a little thick though, overwhelming some of the other tasty characteristics.

Percolating and carbonated on the tongue, enough to help round out the roastiness.

It's fine to drink - warming in the winter months. Just not as enjoyable as others I've enjoyably enjoyed in the past.

Serving type: bottle

12-12-2012 04:48:06 | More by mdcrouser

claspada

New Jersey

3.58/5  rDev -5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Pours a dark dark brown, almost black color with a medium-sized, short-lived, khaki head and recedes to leave some minimal lacing.

Aromas begin with a prominant roasted maltiness with a some milk chocolate, drier baker's cocoa. As it warms I get some sweet sugar notes with light caramel and black licorice.

The tastes follow the nose with dark roasted coffee bitterness with some sweeter tastes of bittersweet chocolate and caramelized sugar. There are some sweet elements but definitely not over-the-top or even enough for the style in my opinion. The firm roasted maltiness curbs the initial sweetness almost to a fault. Maybe this style isn't supposed to be "boosted" up to this ABV because the creaminess is almost lost completely in the flavor.

The mouthfeel is medium-bodied with medium carbonation. Finish is slightly smooth and creamy but also a little roasty and dry; could use to be a bit creamier for the style.

Overall this was a miss for me. It just comes across as an American Stout and lacks the Milk/Sweet stouts elements that I look for in that style. Is it good, yes. Does it stand out from any other generic American Stout, no. A milk stout is a nuanced style which needs more sweetness and creaminess; the concept of a 2x Milk Sout is self-deprecating.

Serving type: bottle

12-10-2012 16:08:37 | More by claspada

chanokokoro

Illinois

4/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12 oz. bottle poured into a Southern Tier Brewing Company branded "imperial glass" (stemmed tulip)

Pours a dark brown capped with a beige one and a half finger head. Average retention and noticeable splotchy lacing here and there. Pleasant roasted notes greet the nose, sweet bittersweet cocoa power as well. Opens with roasted malt some dark chocolate that transisitons to milk chocolate as the sweet lactose sugar joins in creating a semi-sweet chocolate milk notes. Finishes with mild roasted malts and some lingering cocoa. Medium bodied, smooth, some creaminess-moderate carbonation. One of the better readily available milk stouts available, very well-balanced, never overly sweet. Recommended.

Serving type: bottle

12-09-2012 07:02:08 | More by chanokokoro

deaconoflove

Pennsylvania

2.63/5  rDev -30.6%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5

Nice very dark, with minimal head. Looks good.
Not much aroma other than chocolate milk. Very milky aroma.
Taste is a very bland chocolate milk, heavy on the milk. It seems like mild muddle of milk and chocolate. It brings back (very bad) memories of afternoon milk snack in elementary school in the late 50's. (Qualifier: I don't like or drink milk unless it has cereal in it.) This beer isn't bad, but it comes close enough for me. I'll pass.

Serving type: bottle

11-18-2012 22:46:01 | More by deaconoflove

Johnnyjoe13

4.55/5  rDev +20.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Wow. Really fine milk stout. I've had many and my standard is left hand. This is stronger, more layered, more intriguing, solid beer, overall. Soft, smooth, but packs a good punch. If you like dark beer, and you like left hand, this will very much impress you.

Well done, Southern Tier.

Serving type: bottle

11-18-2012 03:16:13 | More by Johnnyjoe13

tastybeer

North Carolina

3.78/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A: Black/brown and opaque. Chocolate ice cream colored head of medium size.

S: Lightly sweet chocolate and caramel. Simple and fun to sniff.

T: Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate, and chocolate. Some candied orange and sprucey pine hidden in there. A touch of bitterness to finish it off.

M: Very smooth, a little syrupy. Good consistency.

O: I like this beer. Its very easy to drink down and loaded with chocolately beery goodness. Absolutely nothing to complain about here.

Serving type: bottle

11-17-2012 22:59:27 | More by tastybeer

Geegmasta

3.83/5  rDev +1.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A- After a hard pour into a pint glass it is an extremely dark brown colour with a thick head (about 1.25 inches). Head colour is very light tan.

S- Smells slightly sweet like a cream with hints of malt and chocolate. Not overly aromatic though.

T- The first impression on the palette is a smokey malt and coffee flavor. Not overpowering but a little more coffee than I like. This taste fades as a very smooth dark chocolate takes precedence and carries off the rest of the experience. A nice heavy cream flavor remains in the background at all times. No hint at the 7.5% ABV in the taste, which is always nice.

M- Surprisingly smooth for a stout bottled with carbon dioxide with a medium body. Goes down very easy.

O- An enjoyable beer. Though it is a little too much on the coffee-side for my preferences I think anyone that enjoys a nice sweet stout or dark brew in general will be pleased. A very smooth feel and goes down extremely easy - which says something to me for a beer that has a higher alcohol content than most. It may not be a favorite but I could see myself picking up another 6-pack in the future. Southern Tier, good job!

Serving type: bottle

11-15-2012 22:47:27 | More by Geegmasta

stephenjmoore

Maryland

3.88/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A- Pitch black pour with a thin tan head. Leaves some lacing around the sides of the glass.

S- Roasted malt and a sweet note of sugar, vanilla and some caramel.

T- Roasted malts from beginning to end with some sweetness in the middle. Some hints of coffee and caramel.

M- Smooth and creamy. Medium-full bodied with medium carbonation.

O- Good milk stout, very solid offering.

Serving type: bottle

11-11-2012 00:04:30 | More by stephenjmoore

CraftBeerTastic

Pennsylvania

3.88/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Ba Review #234
Served On: 11/07/2012
Glassware: Duvel Glass
Labeled ABV: 7.5%
Date/ Code: DOB: 05/17/12

Continuing with the Stouts - this one was from a sicker I snagged at A.K.A. Frisco’s in Frederick, MD while picking up some take-out for lunch yesterday.

Look: The brew appeared very dark with no light passing through. The head was at about 1-finger with a sandy tan color. Lacing was present, but not real impressive.

Smell: Peat smoke and a roasted earthy coffee bean character. The lactose was also noticeable along with some dark chocolate. A faint hop bouquet was mixed in to balance out the sweet component.

Taste: First up was the roasted coffee quality. The middle was the lactose sweetness hitting. Finish was a slight bitterness with some hops kicking in. The aftertaste had the roasted notes returning and fading into a lingering bitterness.

This was a very nice Milk Stout. I would have expected nothing less fro ST.

Serving type: bottle

11-07-2012 17:18:27 | More by CraftBeerTastic

RWLawman

North Carolina

3.48/5  rDev -8.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A - Thin, almost non-existent head. Black as night in terms of color.

S - Mostly chocolate with some hints of coffee and roast.

T - I tasted more roasted malts and bitter chocolate than anything. There was some sweetness in there, but I didn't pick up on it as much as others have in previous reviews. Still a tasty stout, though. The hops are definitely present in this one, and I think their bitterness may have overpowered the sweet aspect a little.

M - Pretty smooth, for the most part. Filling as well. I think that this aspect of this beer would improve hand-over-fist in a nitro-tap.

O - When I drink a milk stout, I expect creaminess, sweet, and a lot of chocolate. This one didn't deliver quite as much on the creamy side as I would've liked. Left hand milk stout, to me, is the comparative piece for a solid milk stout, and I think this beer falls short of LHMS. Still a well-done stout though, and I highly recommend it.

Serving type: bottle

11-07-2012 14:31:26 | More by RWLawman

AlCaponeJunior

Texas

3.88/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Not bad looking, a little brown leaks into the blackness, head was about two fingers and dissipated into a sheen, leaving ok lace.

Nose: Gentle roasty malts, coffee, sweet milk chocolate.

Taste: definitely tasting the sweet milk stout character, notes of coffee and chocolate, burnt and roasted malts, toasted bread, a little nuts.

Body is slick, sweet, and pretty thick, pretty good for a milk stout.

Once again Southern Tier has brewed a beer that I like. This may not be world class but it's damn tasty and I'm glad I have a whole sixer of it. I will definitely buy it again.

Serving type: bottle

11-05-2012 23:36:20 | More by AlCaponeJunior

kangarooAdam59

Maine

4.16/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Into a pint glass:

A: dark brown colored body leaving a spectacular spider-web spotty foamy lacing gracing the sides of the pint glass. The body was too dark for any carbonation to be seen rising. A semi one finger white head appeared and lasted for about a half minute before dieing into the body.

S: chocolate up front, almost somewhat of a chocolate cake, there's a slight bready/cakey smell in there.

T: chocolate and a bit of of a smokey coffee taste backing that up.

M: medium to almost heavy with nothing harsh on the tongue.

O: I like this one. I would come back to this, very good. I think this figures out to be my favorite by Southern Tier. Oh yeah, this is dessert in and of itself.

Serving type: bottle

10-28-2012 18:33:29 | More by kangarooAdam59

kylelenk

Michigan

3.58/5  rDev -5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bottled, served cold in a tulip.

A - Dark, little head retention.

S - Slightly sweeter smell than a normal stout. Nothing overpowering here. Very little smoke, chocolate, etc. notes

T - A let down compared to the imperial series. The flavor lacks any robust profile and comes in behind Left Hand in terms of a normal milk stout.

M - Milk stouts on nitro are so much better. Not very filling and a little too easy drinking.

O - Just ok. Wishing for more.

Serving type: bottle

10-26-2012 19:31:14 | More by kylelenk

StoneTSR

Colorado

3.9/5  rDev +2.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

APPEARANCE: A little brownish light gets through this one at the very bottom of the glass, but otherwise it is black. An off-white, quarter-inch head foams up and then quickly fades into a few wisps on the surface.

SMELL: Pleasant and soft roasted malt on the nose with a coffee and chocolate backbone. Upon sticking my nose in the glass a second time, I'm getting some nuttiness as well.

TASTE: Light, milk chocolate coming through big time, especially up front. Some undertones of coffee sneak in early on and build along with a slight bitter hoppiness towards the finish.

MOUTHFEEL: This 2X is insanely easy to drink. Very light bodied for a stout. Sweet up front, dry in the back and creamy throughout. The 7.5% ABV is nowhere to be found in this thing.

OVERALL: If you want to find a dangerous beer, this is it. It is super easy to drink, but at the same time very tasty and full of flavor.

Serving type: bottle

10-24-2012 05:16:56 | More by StoneTSR

JamesShoemaker

New York

3.95/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

12 oz bottle poured into my tulip.

A - nice and dark, just like it should be. Very little head. Recedes quickly.

S - there's not too much in the smell, but I can definitely detect the milkier aspects of this stout

T - pretty good, again the milky aspects stand out compared to ST's imperials, like Choklat and Mokah. Somewhat empty at only 7+% ABV.

M - meh. the carbonation sticks to me too much, but it's not super unpleasant going down.

O - I'd be interested to try this on tap. I'm glad it's in six packs, but there are better chocolate/milk stouts out there.

Serving type: bottle

10-21-2012 03:07:33 | More by JamesShoemaker

jzeilinger

Pennsylvania

3.95/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A - Pretty hard not to describe a stout other than pouring black like coffee. Has a thin layer of creamy head that's toffee colored and sticky.

S - Cocoa nibs, dark roasted chocolate, light vanilla cream, light caramel, and mocha.

T - Charcoal, dark cocoa, deep roasted chocolate, cream, with a finishing mocha bitterness that lingers along with bitter chocolate and light charcoal.

M - Medium body with a rich texture and enjoyable smoothness but a little on the thin side.

O - I've been wanting to try this one ever since it came out and have no excuses for waiting this. An straightforward and enjoyable stout that goes down quite easy.

Serving type: on-tap

10-15-2012 23:41:06 | More by jzeilinger

Gambrinus1184

Connecticut

4.03/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Served on-tap in a plain tumbler pint at Joe Pizza in Simsbury, Conn.

A: Poured a very dark brown, nearly black color with a thin, one-finger head of bubbly, off-white carbonation which left a bit of lacing and a slick of foam in the glass.

S: Highly roasted malt characteristic with a sweet, rustic bread dough scent thrown in. Hints of coffee, hot cocoa and some herbal, charred hops spice up the smell a bit.

T: Smooth, sweet and mellow roasted flavor throws oatmeal and chocolate malt sweetness at the palate first. A sweet, milky flavor takes hold, letting off some creamy, caramel and toffee flavors before washing back with a mild, roasted bittersweet cocoa nib flavor that brings it all together against a slight, spicy and boozy aftertaste.

M: Rich, bold and sweet with a little lactose left on the palate. Smooth and balanced throughout, it doesn't drink as strong as it is.

O: A pretty well-done double-milk stout from Southern Tier, ringing in at a dangerously drinkable 7.5% ABV. It's good and certainly worth a try, although you couldn't session it for several reasons. It's pleasant enough to have one or two over a meal or with dessert and I'd definitely have it up again.

Serving type: on-tap

10-15-2012 23:05:18 | More by Gambrinus1184

raznug

Ohio

3.73/5  rDev -1.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Appearance: This stout pours a black color and is topped with a 1” of brown colored head that tends to linger quite a few sips into the pint.
Smell: The aroma of this beer is all roasted malts and not a whole lot else.
Taste: The flavor of this beer is a lot of roasted malts like the aroma but it also has chocolate and vanilla flavors to it.
Mouthfeel: This is a very creamy beer like a milk stout should be a bit of the heavy bodied side but rather easy drinking and flavorful brew.

Serving type: bottle

10-13-2012 18:32:45 | More by raznug

Cyberkedi

Georgia

4.15/5  rDev +9.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Comes out of the bottle dark-chocolate brown with a fairly thick and rather persistent frothy, fine-bubbled wheaten head that leaves fairly thick lacing. Aroma has a core of roast, slightly burnt malt with notes of molasses, licorice and coffee. Lip-smacking flavor has notes of roast malt, mocha and molasses, with nutty and earthy hints. Smooth, firm texture has a decent amount of fizz and leaves a nice smoky, slightly sweet finish.

Serving type: bottle

10-12-2012 02:55:48 | More by Cyberkedi

jucifer1818

Florida

4.48/5  rDev +18.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: light darkness, beautiful color and low carbination, just like a stout should be

Smell: Excellent. Rich malty smells, chocolate, toffee. the smell of this one always gets me every time.

Taste: Excellent. It could had used more lactose to give a even richer taste, but its alcohol is perfectly contained and its flavor its extremely rich.

mouthfeel: silky, smooth, and well bodied.

Overall: this is one of the best stouts I've ever had. A very drinkable stout, its tastes, smells, and feels amazing. Not perfect, but still pretty close to it.

A perfect stout to drink after a long day, for desert, or even with ice cream in it.

I give it a near perfect 4.5 every time

Serving type: bottle

10-11-2012 15:41:20 | More by jucifer1818

tut2528

Illinois

3.35/5  rDev -11.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A: pours black as night with no transparency whatsoever. Minimal head formation, but a thin film hugs the side of the glass.

S: big roasted malt, dark chocolate and coffee grounds dominate the nose. Not getting much sweetness on this one. Nothing else is coming through other than a mild alcohol burn.

T: very robust coffee notes and roasted malt completely dominate the body on this one. I pick up on a bitter dark chocolate as well. I honestly am not picking up that much milk/creaminess as I thought I would….its actually very subtle and I find myself reaching for it.

M: medium bodied, not as big as I expected. It leaves a mild touch of alcohol and roasted malt on the palate after the finish.

O: it’s a nice brew, very basic, decent drinkability but dont think it resembles this style very well. the milk is very subtle as well as the sweetness.

Serving type: bottle

10-09-2012 04:08:14 | More by tut2528

Jamesthebrit

Michigan

3.63/5  rDev -4.2%
look: 5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A: Black as night and super thick. The bubbles take some time to work their way to the top.

S: A subtle sweetness. Some coffee and chocolate as well. Maybe a little marshmallow. Pretty light smelling for how thick it seems.

T: A sourness and alcohol are the star players here. Roasty coffee and a sweetness come in second. It's an interesting taste but I'm not sure this is what I was hoping for in a stout. I think if the alcohol was toned down a little bit this would be a lot nicer.

M: Sits with a heavy body. Bubbles compliment it decently.

Overall a pretty nice beer. It's not mind blowing and that alcohol is the star player which isn't what I was looking for. Maybe worth checking out but not crazy about it.

Serving type: bottle

10-08-2012 23:22:55 | More by Jamesthebrit

JWU

Pennsylvania

3.48/5  rDev -8.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

12oz. bottle poured into a snifter

A- looks like coffee, with a fizzy an head that dissipates quickly. No lacing.

S- I pickup a lot of the lactose on the smell, with a mild mocha character.

T- Starts with a hit of lactose sweetness, with a bit of a coffee bitterness. There's a hop bite mid sip as well. Transitions into a mild mocha flavor before a big lactose/sugary sweetness on the finish.

M- Thin for what a double stout should be, with a medium carbonation. oddly dry and sweet at the same time on the finish.

O- I love Southern Tier, but this isn't their finest effort.
Needs more roasty-ness and a heavier dose of dark chocolate for my liking.

Serving type: bottle

10-08-2012 00:38:26 | More by JWU

gcamparone

Rhode Island

3.85/5  rDev +1.6%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 12 ounce bottle into a Samuel Adams pint glass.

A - pours a dark brown, nearly black body with cherry/brown edges. Thin, 1-finger light brown head that slowly rises but quickly reduces to a white ring. Low, spotty lacing.

S - Coffee, roasted chocolate malt, dark chocolate

T - Starts with a sweet, milk chocolate burst of flavor. Finishes with a bitter cocoa, slightly hoppy aftertaste. Delicious

M- Full bodied, thick and robust. Minimum carbonation, which is characteristic of stouts.

Overall, a delicious, nicely balanced stout. Drink it for dessert, or to accompany dessert.

Serving type: bottle

10-05-2012 22:23:46 | More by gcamparone