Curley's Irish Stout - Beer Works

jaasen64

Massachusetts

3.4/5  rDev -4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

22oz draft

A- Opaque black, a moderate amount of carbonation bubbles sticking to the sides of the glass, about a finger and half of white thick creamy head.

S- Smells of milk chocolate, some malts and maybe hint of hops in the background.

T- Lactose sugars, chocolate, malts.

M- Fairly creamy, a little bit on the heavy side, well-balanced throughout.

O- This was a pretty decent Irish Stout, maybe slightly a step above but very similar to Guiness in my opinion. It had a nice taste and was very easy to drink with the exception that it sat a little bit heavy in my stomach, not surprising. Not a beer that blows me away but overall a solid beer. If you ever find yourself at Beer Works this is definitely a beer you might want to consider ordering.

Serving type: on-tap

05-06-2012 06:27:41 | More by jaasen64

vfgccp

New York

3.95/5  rDev +11.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A - Black in color, with a tan head, and a slight lace with low retention.

S - Creamy, roasted coffee. The normal amazing irish stout smell.

T - Creamy and malty with a coffee bitterness. Finish is a little light for a stout.

M - Thick and creamy on the front end, very smooth going down. Wish there was a little more thickness to the head and finish.

O - A solid irish stout, the lightness on the back end was a let down, but solid otherwise.

Serving type: nitro-tap

10-24-2011 13:10:58 | More by vfgccp

womencantsail

California

3.25/5  rDev -8.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

On nitro at Beer Works Fenway

A: The beer pours almost black in color with a dense tan head.

S: As usual with an Irish stout, aromas of coffee and roast with a bit of dark chocolate. Other than that, it's a bit on the watery side and has a few notes of earthy hops.

T: Very bitter, much more so than any other beer of the style that I've had. Heavy on the earthy hops with coffee, dark chocolate, and old coffee grounds on the palate.

M: Light bodied with low carbonation.

O: Aroma was way too watery but the flavor was far too bitter. And the old coffee ground flavor didn't help.

Serving type: nitro-tap

10-04-2011 21:56:40 | More by womencantsail

johnnnniee

New Hampshire

3.08/5  rDev -13%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

On tap at the source in Lowell. Pours a solid black with a creamy frothy white head that sticks around forever. Smells of lightly roasted grains and a slight earthy aroma. Lackluster aroma, maybe they were going for a Guinness clone? Taste is slightly acridic with mild roasted grains and an earthy herbal taste to it. Light body medium carbonation level, slick acridic mouthfeel. I love me a good stout but this one misses on so many levels. The roast is hard to find its bitter and acridic like burnt coffee. Even Guinness would have been better.

Serving type: on-tap

09-05-2011 17:40:47 | More by johnnnniee

mikesgroove

South Carolina

3.13/5  rDev -11.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

pour was near spot on for the style and really showed a tremendous amount of promise. Dark as night with a rich and creamy tan head that rose up from the bottom and settled down very nicely along the top of the glass. Bu that was about the best it would get. Too light of a n aroma, as roasted malts and chocolate notes seem to be horribly off balance. Hints of coffee maybe? But it all seemed to be a bit of a mess for me to be honest. Smooth, even carbonation on a somewhat mellow profile, needed a bit more of a punch to really be anything worthwhile to me. Roasted chocolate, hints of tobacco, a light sweetness, but again it really all seemed terribly off balance to me to be honest.

Serving type: bottle

07-19-2011 21:55:55 | More by mikesgroove

morebeergood

Massachusetts

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

On tap this past Saturday at the BBW Fenway location. Served in a 16 oz glass. Dark black in color, with a thin white head. Decent amount of lacing on the glass. Typical stout look. Smell was a bit of roasted malt, but just slightly muted. Taste was pleasing, but nothing too intense. Nice flavors of coffee and chocolate, but all very subtle. Mouthfeel was thick but smooth enough for it to be a nice slow drinker. This is an easy beer to drink. BBW didn't go out on any limbs here, but it they were just trying to make a nice Irish stout, then they succeeded.

Serving type: on-tap

03-01-2011 00:52:11 | More by morebeergood

argock

Virginia

3.35/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Served on-tap with nitro in a slender, tapered glass tumbler at Beer Works - Canal Street (Boston, MA).

A: Black aaas night body with steely grey-beige head with good staying power and a nice lace collar.

S: Big roasted malt nose with lots of black malt and mineral aromas. Hops are not too prominent but lend a little earthiness.

T: The flavor has too much acrid, toasted-burnt malt edge which builds as you work through the glass. The maltiness is otherwise asd you'd expect for a dry stout, but they push the roast a little too far for my taste. The classic mineral character is in the finish, but it doesn;t work too well with the acrid burnt malt finish.

M: The nitro helps even out the feel. This brew is medium-bodied and is very smooth.

D: A decent shot at the dry stout style, but the toasted malt edge needs pulled back.

Serving type: nitro-tap
@ Boston Beer Works - Canal Street, 112 Canal Street, Boston

11-05-2010 02:58:07 | More by argock

OtherShoe2

Massachusetts

3.3/5  rDev -6.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Received a glass of jet black stout with a decent big bubbled head that dissipated quickly. Some lacing.

Strong coffee and some boiled grain in the aroma. Some good charred malt elements as well.

Interesting stout. Coffee flavor is more akin to coffee grounds, with some charcoal bits in there as a form of bitterness. Little hint of alcohol, which was very surprising, as it is only 4%. Smooth? Not really. This one is kind of uneven with some sharp edges. Decent dry finish, no real off notes.

A bit more watery than I like -- this stout has some carbonation, but overall, there is a lack of even intensity. One and done -- I won't be having this again -- didn't hate it, but really didn't like it that much.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Lowell Beer Works, 203 Cabot St, Lowell

04-11-2010 19:14:37 | More by OtherShoe2

gcarl

Massachusetts

3.28/5  rDev -7.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 2.5

Had while catching a Red Sox game at the Canal Street location. As told to me by our great waiter "We have the Curly's on the nitro tap tonight"

The pint came to me black as night with a thick and everlasting tan head, quite an attractive brew. Smell has coffee and a surprisingly strong hop presence. First sip reveals a miraculously smoooth beer. The taste is dry with a very astringent aftertaste, making drinkability underwhelming.

An average Irish stout.

GC

Serving type: nitro-tap
@ Boston Beer Works - Canal Street, 112 Canal Street, Boston

10-07-2008 03:51:50 | More by gcarl

Sycodrummer

Massachusetts

4.1/5  rDev +15.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Presented from the tap at the canal street location the beer was served in a 16oz. willybecher pint. Near black color, slight ruby around the edges. Bubbly one-finger head that created some spotty lacing.

Roasted malt in the nose with hints of chocolate and caramel. Some roasted coffee aromas as well.

Dry roasted malt base with subtle chicory and chocolate flavors. Hints of strong black coffee and quite dry in the finish.

Medium body and medium carbonation.

A fairly typical Irish stout was this one. Easy to drink, sessionable, and flavorfull. Pretty good all around.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Boston Beer Works - Fenway, 61 Brookline Avenue, Boston

12-18-2006 21:15:27 | More by Sycodrummer

LarryV

Massachusetts

3.93/5  rDev +11%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Almost black with an intricate tan head. Smell of roasted barley with chocolate mingling. Taste is roasted malt with twinges of chocolate and slight coffee flavors shining through. Mouthfeel is on the thin side, but doesn't detract from the enjoyment. This is a mellow, middle of the road stout that's easy to drink. Quite enjoyable.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Boston Beer Works - Fenway, 61 Brookline Avenue, Boston

09-17-2006 19:14:11 | More by LarryV

bjohnson

Massachusetts

3.53/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A: Pours a thick black with a nice frothy milkshake like one finger white head. Good looking lace on the glass. Poured into a 22oz.
S: Subtle roasted chocolate malt. Sweet smelling also.
T/M: Roasted coffee and sweet chocolate malt flavors, but not too dominant. Smooth through the mouth with a light to medium body. Body could be a bit more thick. Good level of carbonation. Slight bitterness with a usual dry finish.
D: Drinkable stout, although just slightly less body than a good stout. Worth a try if you get a chance.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Boston Beer Works - Fenway, 61 Brookline Avenue, Boston

09-15-2006 17:56:03 | More by bjohnson

beerguy101

California

2.78/5  rDev -21.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Dark brown color, medium head. A medium bodied stout. Deeply roasted malts, very coffee like. Fairly hoppy. Nice balance. Mouthfeel is full and round. Finish is slightly dry and clean. Aftertaste is slightly bitter. Coffee like flavor dominates this beer. Nearly overpowering. Nice taste, but perhaps a bit over the top.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Boston Beer Works - Fenway, 61 Brookline Avenue, Boston

08-02-2003 02:09:11 | More by beerguy101

bewareOFpenguin

Massachusetts

3.35/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

Curley and stout, two things I could talk about all night. Not the stooge, the mayor and subject of "the Last Harrah". But I digress. The stout looked great, nice and black, and I exspected a bold taste to be named after such a bold man. Disappointed. I found it to be "watery", lacking any body. Sure there were roasted malts, caramel, etc., but IMHO it was weak. I sure hope it was just a bad batch.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Boston Beer Works - Fenway, 61 Brookline Avenue, Boston

05-19-2003 08:46:21 | More by bewareOFpenguin

UncleJimbo

Massachusetts

4.1/5  rDev +15.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I have had this stout at all three Beer Works locations (on tap) and most recently at the Salem location (where it is also called "Black Bat Stout").

This stout pours black with tan foam that leaves some lace. The smell has coffee and dark malt aromas. The taste is dark malt with bitter coffee and chocolate coming through, but with a hint of a chicory taste, and some hops in the mix. The flavor is rich. The mouthfeel is dry with low carbonation. The drinkability is good. This is one of my favorite Beer Works beers.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Boston Beer Works - Fenway, 61 Brookline Avenue, Boston

03-09-2003 08:17:23 | More by UncleJimbo

RBorsato

Virginia

4.43/5  rDev +25.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This review is for the bottled version made for one of the Michael Jackson Beer Clubs...contract brewed at Riverside Brewing Co. in Riverside CA.

Brownish-red with a low beige head which leaves decent lace. Strong coffee-ish aroma and taste. Roasty and bitter flavor. Light-medium bodied with a dry roasty bitter finish. A bit on the creamy side.

Per M.J. notes: 4% ABV, Roasted and flaked barley and Kent Golding hops.

Serving type: bottle
@ Boston Beer Works - Fenway, 61 Brookline Avenue, Boston

02-26-2003 10:45:11 | More by RBorsato

TheLongBeachBum

California

4.38/5  rDev +23.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Now, unlike some people who profess otherwise, or who even knock the “style”, I will state that this is a very good example of a “Dry Irish ‘Style’ Stout”.

Dark sinister and served with a thick creamy tan head than has massive retentive powers, this SO looks the part. The taste is definitely of roasted malt and burnt lingering bitterness. Very nice, I was immediately attracted to this Stout, I am no fan of sweet stouts, and this most certainly is not in that category. An astringent, but dark, bitter roast almost coffee ending is the trademark finish of this beer. I found it to be very drinkable indeed. Beamish Stout fans will like this one!!!

Hmm, I really like this beer and I will admit that it was my second favorite beer of the “Session” that I had at the Boston Beer Works, Canal Street on 2/1/03. Ah, I can't wait for the day when time travel becomes possible.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Boston Beer Works - Fenway, 61 Brookline Avenue, Boston

02-04-2003 23:50:09 | More by TheLongBeachBum

Gusler

Arizona

3/5  rDev -15.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

As it pours from the glass a deep garnet color with a light tan head that is impressive in size, the lace adequate to cover the glass. Light toasted grains, sweet, like cotton candy, hints of yeast. Sweet as it hits the palate, the top skimpy in feel and the finish passably carbonated, adequately hopped, dry aftertaste. "Stout" just barely, this is one for the "Beginners" to try, drinkable but quite a disappointment.

Serving type: bottle
@ Boston Beer Works - Fenway, 61 Brookline Avenue, Boston

12-27-2002 05:30:05 | More by Gusler

packetknife

Idaho

2.03/5  rDev -42.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 2

Medium brown, lacking head. Smells roasty. Tastes like burned paper of sorts. What I'd expect if I burned a steak and ate it off of paper towels. It's rather lousy and quite depressing for realbeer.com.

Serving type: bottle
@ Boston Beer Works - Fenway, 61 Brookline Avenue, Boston

09-06-2002 16:36:39 | More by packetknife

jreitman

California

2.75/5  rDev -22.3%
look: 2 | smell: 2 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Yeasty aromas. Highly carbonated and dark ruby.brown color which is surprisngly transparent. Thick brown head. A little roasted character comes through and ends in a dry finish. Underwhelming.

Serving type: bottle
@ Boston Beer Works - Fenway, 61 Brookline Avenue, Boston

08-11-2002 15:07:19 | More by jreitman

jackndan

Illinois

3.63/5  rDev +2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Curley’s Irish Stout: Dark rich beer, less dry than Guinness. Had definite flavors of chocolate malts, with a clean finish. Went from nice to very nice as it warmed up. Very drinkable.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Boston Beer Works - Fenway, 61 Brookline Avenue, Boston

06-18-2002 11:19:40 | More by jackndan

BeerAdvocate

Massachusetts

3.95/5  rDev +11.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Presentation: On tap.

Appearance: Dark brown in colour, almost black ... the head has no problem retaining.

Smell: Obvious roasted barley aromas with a hint of sweetness in the nose.

Taste: Remarkably smooth with a rounded roasted barley bite which seems to linger all the way through. The rest of the malt leaves remnants of bread/grain and a touch of sweetness.

Notes: Not a bad stout here, might be disappointing to the stout lovers. Seems this stout could be more of a baby step for novice beer drinkers, yet a decent brew for all.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Boston Beer Works - Fenway, 61 Brookline Avenue, Boston

07-27-1999 00:00:01 | More by BeerAdvocate