Bison Organic Chocolate Stout - Bison Brewing

aromatorio

Maryland

2.55/5  rDev -27.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

Picked this up from the La Jolla BevMo as an impulse buy. I was pretty disappointed by this bottle however.

A: It started off promising - it poured well, a medium-density head. A little lighter than I was expecting, considering it's called a Chocolate Stout.

S: Smell wasn't the best, but I was still hopeful. As below, I expected perhaps too much. I'm not sure what setbacks an organic brewer faces, but clearly I should have rethought my expectations. The brew smells simple, not complex at all - perhaps some under-roasted coffee beans, and where I was expecting a nutty dark chocolate, I got instead a weak milk chocolate.

T: The taste was a letdown for me. I expected rich undertones of chocolate and earth. Mostly though, all I detected were subtle coffee notes. The alcohol was an unnoticed third wheel.

M: The mouthfeel was extremely thin for me. Way too watery. Combined with the subpar taste, this was a big turn-off.

D: It is fairly drinkable because of the almost imperceptible alcohol, but I probably won't buy another bottle soon. It may go well with food, but sampled alone on its merits, I found it wanting.

Serving type: bottle

01-31-2008 23:33:07 | More by aromatorio

ATSJer

Kentucky

3.85/5  rDev +9.1%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Bottle
Slightly cooler than room temp

Appearance: this brew has a smooth pour and builds an almond colored head quickly to about 1 finger which begins to fade to a thin layer within a minute or so, the head has a medium froth nowhere near as dense as the Guinness nitro-bottle; the head also slides off leaving no lacing on the glass. The brew itself is near black, but on the edges and bottom you can see that it is a very deep amber, especially when held to the light. It is a clear liquid, and I could see some evidence of carbonation with a single bubble stream visible on the surface. There was nothing really extra ordinary about the appearance, and the fact that it was not opaque reminded me of the Guinness, but this was even clearer. It looked good, but really just seemed average to me.

Smell: I hold my breath as I put my nose in the glass before inhaling, and even then I could feel the bite of the bitterness in my nostrils which really made me think I was in for a very hoppy brew. As I inhaled the spice was indeed prominent, and there was thick dark malt that you would expect from a stout. I could also smell some sweetness like toffee, but I was really left searching for any chocolate aroma.

Taste: The spice is certainly in this brew but not nearly as strong as I was expecting from the aroma, as I am not one who likes an overly hoppy brew I was pleasantly surprised at the difference between the aroma and the initial taste. Continuing with the first pull I tasted the heavy malts that should not come as a surprise when drinking stouts, this was followed by the bite of bitterness at the finish that was sharper than the Guinness, I really only noticed the chocolate at the end and it seemed a very rich dark chocolate. As I continued to explore the tastes I concentrated on the sweetness which is there on the tip of the tongue but certainly not a primary flavor. This did not taste at all watered down.

Mouthfeel: The Chocolate Stout is a thicker feeling brew than Guinness but certainly not syrupy by any stretch. I didn't notice any creaminess although there was a thin buttery coating in my mouth after swallowing. One thing that I noticed early was the carbonation, I expected to feel this from the appearance and I was afraid that it might be overbearing but that was not to be, the carbonation fizzed on my tongue some but it was not distracting from the flavors.

Drinkability: This is a good drinking brew, but the carbonation hangs in the stomach more than others and causes some bloating, the liquid itself is not all that heavy but with the carbonation it is rather filling even after a single pint. I can see drinking this in the evening with friends or family, or drinking one with a steak dinner, but I can't imagine anyone slamming these at a party. I certainly recommend this brew as a drinkable, and flavorful expression of what a stout is while not being completely overbearing.

Serving type: bottle

07-24-2009 02:30:19 | More by ATSJer

Patrick2012

California

3.48/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Served in tulip glass

A: Motor-oil black with small brown head.

S: Coffee and chocolate malt smell with some hops

T: watered-down coffee and chocolate flavor. Not much taste overall. Bittersweet chocolate. It would have been better if the flavors were stronger.

M: plain, light bitterness. not very exciting to be honest.

Overall a pretty generic tasting stout, nothing exceptional about it. Shouldn't even be called chocolate stout because it's just kind of a side note like the coffee or hops.

Serving type: bottle

09-01-2012 00:18:50 | More by Patrick2012

yonnie

California

4/5  rDev +13.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Poured into mug. Opaque dark dark brown, almost black in color. A finger of light brown head on top.

S - Dark chocolate, coffee, caramel, sweet malt.

T - Dark chocolate, coffee, caramel, sweet cream, marshmallow, malt.

M - Medium bodied, well carbonated, slick and smooth.

O - This is a delicious treat of a beer. It almost qualifies as a dessert to me with its rich chocolatey tones and hints of caramel and even burnt marshmallow.

Serving type: bottle

07-14-2012 02:15:18 | More by yonnie

guinness310

California

3/5  rDev -15%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Poured into a Nonic...

A: First thing i notice is that its got good head retention. A mid-frothy almond colored head is supported by a dark body with dark ruby tones outlining the nonic.

S: Definitely smell the cocoa/toffee and roasted malts...

T: The taste was good but did not do the smell justice. leaves a kinda "sour" taste in the back of my tounge, while my palate gets hardly any attention. the taste of dark roasted malts and coffee linger around my mouth, while the cocoa seems so far behind the two stronger flavours.

M: Mid-bodied with medium-high carbonation. spaced-lacing around certain sides of the glass.

Not a bad beer but i wont be buying this one again. Or recomending it to friends that are heavily into Chocolate Stouts

Serving type: bottle

09-19-2009 08:09:32 | More by guinness310

thebarracuda

California

1.7/5  rDev -51.8%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 1 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 1

Pours a deep dark brown with a thick tan head that stays around.
with the first sip I taste heavy cocoa mixed in with some bitterness and stale coffee. I really don't taste any chocolate at all, but loads of cocoa. And like most things "organic" this is not very good, not at all. Others might like it, I dont. I dont know if I want to choke it down and hope I end up liking it, or pouring it down the drain.

Serving type: bottle

07-29-2006 06:42:20 | More by thebarracuda

Johnnyramirez

California

3.08/5  rDev -12.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

Overall, its disappointing. Super watery for a stout. Very mild chocolate notes in the flavor. The smell makes you think there'd be more chocolate and roasty flavors. The price point is great at $4, but I'd gladly spend more for a better beer next time.

Serving type: bottle

03-19-2013 05:13:58 | More by Johnnyramirez

Invisoclam

Florida

4.55/5  rDev +28.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

My Wife and I bought several Stouts and Porters recently to taste test - this one was one of the Best - for our tastes.
The clerk at the Store recommended it , and I was actually skeptical as he was pointing out the organic qualities - I am nto sure if it makes any difference but this was a tasty NOT bitter stout

Serving type: bottle

12-21-2010 00:00:47 | More by Invisoclam

C3likesbeer

California

4.06/5  rDev +15%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Drank from a bottle. Nice tan head.

Aroma is more malty and the chocolate is pretty tame.

Not at all overpowering as some stouts can be. If you think your stout should be closer to "imperial" this is not of you. If you like stouts that are malty and chocolatey this may be a good option. You almost keep looking at it to make sure it is a dark stout which it is. Very drinkable and a little bit of fizzy carbonation. Not overly boozy.

Good middle of the road chocolate stout

Serving type: bottle

03-05-2013 03:34:35 | More by C3likesbeer

theaudist

Alabama

2.65/5  rDev -24.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 1 | overall: 4

A - Dark black, no light getting through this one.

S - Really, really chocolatey. Smells almost like a jar full of cocoa. Hints of malts, but really just a lot of chocolate.

T - Very bland. You get a nice toasty start but it doesn't follow through and feels very washed out.

M - Like water. Very runny, not how I like my stouts.

Overall - As I kept drinking it, I began to enjoy it more. The malts really are pretty good and balanced, they just wash out way too quickly. It feels like water. An ok beer.

Serving type: bottle

06-09-2010 01:03:15 | More by theaudist

TheTallOne

California

3.9/5  rDev +10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A: Pitch balck with minimal - no head retention. The short lived head is dark brown.

S: Sweet a cocoa

T: Cocoa and bitter. Almost too bitter, possibly from too much cocoa or too much dark malt.

M: Creamy with very little carbonation.

D: Drinkable, but could be more drinkable if it was not as bitter.

Serving type: bottle

11-03-2008 05:53:42 | More by TheTallOne

Lefty1881

Florida

1.7/5  rDev -51.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 1.5 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 1.5

Dark color, good amount of off white head, earthy cocoa aroma yet bland. Tastes like dirt and chalky cocoa. Very watery. Tried to enjoy it, but couldn't . Drain pour, no fun.

I know they went organic with this one, but just bland offering that needs a lot of work.

Serving type: bottle

01-12-2011 04:38:14 | More by Lefty1881

pressman57

California

4.25/5  rDev +20.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This is my first review so forgive me if I'm not too fluent.

Poured a thick, opaque black with a brown head and decent lacing.

Smelled of chocolate and malt.

Tasted like it smelled up front, with a peppery, slightly bitter aftertaste.

Good beer.

Serving type: bottle

03-27-2011 00:01:40 | More by pressman57

OnTheRoof

Oregon

4.33/5  rDev +22.7%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Well I am a big fan of darker and stronger beers. Fall &/or Winter call for Porters and stouts in my opinion. My first coffee porter being pipeline porter it was love at first taste. This beer was in the case and my beloved Pipeline was not. A bomber for $3.19 is in my opinion a very good value for this beer. I will most certainly buy it again.

Appearance is that of a stout dark the head is a medium white and limited.

Smell smells like a malty roasted chocolate. Very seductive could be used as effective cologne

Taste like bitter dark chocolate stout as the name implies. very good easy to convert non beer drinkers with. Complements other flavors and foods well as it's taste is not overpowering

Mouthfeel very good but not amazing

Drinkability Excellent goes very well with steak and potatoes does not detract from the intrinsic glory of these marvelous foods. alone it is as easy as water to drink. no hint's of alcohol that I noticed.

Serving type: bottle

10-10-2007 07:15:10 | More by OnTheRoof

Omegabyte

Hawaii

3.45/5  rDev -2.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Appearance: Head doesn't pour unless you try. Thin, tan head that doesn't retain. Beer is dark brown and almost completely opaque to any light shining through.

Nose: Not a very strong smell. Sweet, almost syrupy like chocolate flavored syrups used in coffee. Easy to pick up on the burnt chocolate.

Taste: Chocolate doesn't come out in the taste very well. Would be better described as raw cacao and not chocolate. Also taste roasted coffee. Has a distinct burnt flavor. A bit bitter as well. Not sweet.

Mouthfeel: Lighter than I expected. Hits the tongue well. Bitter plays more on the mouthfeel than the taste.

Drinkability: A little above average for a stout. Would have to say that I might give it a better rating if I had some good food to go with it.

Serving type: bottle

10-18-2010 07:08:16 | More by Omegabyte

Pimento

Alabama

2.73/5  rDev -22.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

Appearance
Inky black. Mahogany overtones. 3cm head that quickly dissipates. Minimal lacing.

Smell
Cocoa powder. Earthy.

Taste
Initial creamy maltiness gives way to bitterness. The acerbic finish is long seems to come both from the hops and the cocoa. I do get a trace metal taste with some swollows.

Mouthfeel
Medium viscosity. Somewhat watery but I do get a lingering buttery feel.

Drinkability
I enjoyed drinking this stout and appreciate the brewers ability and desire to make this organically. I would happily drink it again if offered but will not be buying any more soon.

Serving type: bottle

12-19-2010 23:12:19 | More by Pimento

roryw

Kentucky

3.6/5  rDev +2%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Appearance - Black. If I hold it up to some light it turns into a mildy translucent brown. Nice creamy looking head, sort a of a dirty brown, what I would expect from this really. This is a delicious looking chocolate stout.

Smell - The cocoa immediately hits you. It smells just like a bar of chocolate. I am getting a roasted malt hint behind the cocoa.

Taste - Tastes like cocoa, coffee, malts and a little smokiness. Taste isn't as strong and present as I thought it would be. It's very easy on the palette. When you first take a sip it starts out with a nice chocolate rounded flavor and a forward maltiness and ends slightly bitter.

Mouthfeel - A light to medium body here. I was expecting it to be thicker. I could drink a few of these back to back and not feel fatigued.

Overall - This is enjoyable, JUST enjoyable. I felt a little something was missing, and I think that something is complexity. For a stout, it's a little light and bland but this also bumps up the drinkability points. I can see myself pulling one or two of these out of the fridge when I'm wanting a decent stout but don't want to feel weighed down. I'd go for something else if I really wanted to treat myself though.

Serving type: bottle

09-29-2012 04:29:05 | More by roryw

tonib2055

California

3.35/5  rDev -5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A - This beer pours beautiful and dark with moderate light head.

S - smell is fabulous - coffee and chocolate

T - taste of chocolate and coffee is overcome by the roast of the malt. It is smokey in a not so great way.

M - The first thing that my tongue felt was the carbonation. For a stout this felt over carbonated without any creamy or smooth quality.

O - despite the mouthfeel and taste that was different from what I expected, I really enjoy this beer. I am looking forward to trying out of the bottle.

Serving type: on-tap

04-26-2012 04:41:27 | More by tonib2055

anthonygrg

2.25/5  rDev -36.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2

This beer was quite disappointing. Although it is very drinkable, the flavor profile is almost non-existent. When I read the words "chocolate stout" I expect deep, rich, and hopefully bold flavors. This brew has none of that. The chocolate/coffeeish aroma is actually stronger than the flavor profile, which is annoying because I keep smelling what I wish I were tasting!

Serving type: bottle

09-02-2012 06:39:22 | More by anthonygrg