Split Shot Espresso Milk Stout - Elysian Brewing Company

suncrust

Washington

4.03/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 2.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Official 2012 Seattle Beer Week Beer.

22oz bottle poured to a snifter.

A: Poured a dark brown, almost black hue. Tiny, bubbly mocha head layered the brim of the glass, dissipating quickly to the outer rim shortly after the pour. Not much lacing throughout. As a downfall, the appearance lacked an invitation to drink.

S: Aromas of strongly brewed espresso & french press coffee hit the nose almost immediately. Fresh. Slight cocoa powder, sticky brown sugar, graham crackers & a mild sweetness follow. Aromas round out w/ subtle dark cherry chocolate bread, w/ a smooth, rich, near peppery coffee spice. Really enjoying the smell of this beer.

T: Brewed, french press coffee smack the palette almost instantly. No coffee bitterness, which is nice. Dark roast, cocoa powder, rich dark chocolates, & touch of caramel, dark breads, light figs, and some pleasant dark grains molding the flavor profile. Finishes smooth with a milky film & subtle sweetness, a slight hop kick w/ some very muted cinnamon stick notes. Very easy to drink, really balanced.

MF: Rich, smooth, w/ an almost lighter body full of flavor and texture. Very well made. The lactose creates a sweet milky film that coats the mouth. No lingering bitterness. Coffee and dark chocolate characters lingering. Yum.

O: Really enjoyable. This beer could be huge as an imperial stout, but nonetheless the milk stout approach with the lower ABV was nice. Sweet milky body with dark chocolate and coffee complexity. One of the better coffee beers I've had in a long time. 2012 Seattle Beer Week will certainly be a memorable one!

Serving type: bottle

04-25-2012 04:50:57 | More by suncrust