Country of Origin: United States
Price comparison: About the same as national-branded beer.
Alcohol percentage by volume: 5½%
Cute bottle/label? Standard twelve-ounce brown glass; standard Stoney Creek fish (I think it's a trout, but what do I know about fish?) logo centered on the label in beige-on-beige tones.
Appearance: Dark brown, nearly purple, with a thick tan head and vivacious carbonation. Streaks of thin lace left on the glass.
Scent: Cocoa, vanilla, coffee, malt.
Flavor: Roasted chicory and toasted white bread with vanilla bean (not artificial vanilla flavoring) on exhalation. More vanilla on the tongue as it warmed.
Impressions: I hope I can have this on tap someday, or perhaps find it in a nitro can, because although it tastes very nice, the carbonation of the bottled product is a bit harsh in mouthfeel.
Will I buy this beer again? It's satisfying; not too sweet; a very good session porter and good value for the money. One of those things you need to be in the mood for, as opposed to being a regular player, but I would serve this as a dessert beer without hesitation.
Rating:
3½ out of 5 cute beer glasses
Reviewed: February 23, 2004
