Milk Stout

Although not an overly popular style, more and more brewers are producing sweet stouts, and Left Hand Brewing has a winner on their hands. The judges praised this beer for its luscious, creamy, long lasting, beige head, as well as its deep, saturated brown color and brilliant clarity. In keeping with the classic examples of the style, this beer evinced an appetizing, velvety smooth espresso aroma with hints of plum, raisin and figs. Rick enjoyed the plum, sweet cherry and chocolate aromas, while Pete commented favorably on the Graham cracker notes and overall dried cherry, fruitcake character of this beer’s aroma. Some of the judges found it to be wanting for more roasty coffee flavors and a more intense sweetness, both of which are expected of this style. The entire panel complimented this beer on its eminent drinkability and rich, complex flavor profile. Tim was especially impressed by the integration of all the beer’s elements, including its overall softness and sweetness on the palate and the bitter yet subdued hop finish that lends an overall subtlety and balance to this beer. Pete, however, found that the finishing bitterness was slightly higher than expected and the flavor lacked the degree of malt complexity for this to be a truly classic example of the style. All in all this is a clean, very drinkable sweet stout that would be a welcome addition to anyone’s beer cellar.