The Black Chocolate Stout from Brooklyn Brewery is a long-standing favorite of mine. Since I happened to pick up a six-pack recently, I thought I’d share my thoughts on it.
Here’s what they have to say:
In the last century, British brewers made strong stouts for the Czar’s Court. They were called Imperial Stouts. Our Black Chocolate Stout, brewed once yearly for the winter season, achieves a chocolate aroma and flavor through the artful blending of six varieties of black, chocolate and roasted malts.
Its color is black. I’m not talking a very, very dark brown. Black. Hold it up to the brightest light in the room and you cannot see through it. It forms a nice, creamy head that is itself rather dark and laces nicely on the glass. It’s got a nice, hearty malty taste with some nutty highlights. This is another one of those beers that you have one of, at most two, and savor. Not only is it very rich in flavor, but at 10.6% ABV this is not something to just quaff indiscriminately.
Boy, this is good stuff. I don’t know if Brooklyn has ever made anything I haven’t liked. Recommended.
I am also a fan of this stout – I wasn’t aware of the alcohol content though. What is your Hop-Talk rating? (I’d give it a 5, but luckily all of the Brooklyn beer is easy for me to get)
Yeah, I’d probably give it a 5. When November comes around I start looking out for it. Fortunately it hasn’t been hard to find.
I was pleased to see the high marks on what I know is a great brew and a most excellent 1st beer of the night brew. I was first introduced to it a few years ago when visiting my family in Mass. for the Christmas holiday. I agree that it’s best enjoyed 1 or no more than 2 at a time, more for the taste buds than the alcohol content to my palate. With such a luxurious mouth feel and nutty chocolatey goodness, it’s tones remind me of some wonderful winter comfort flavors. Honestly, it’s a perfect 1st beer of the evening; a dark luscious and flavorful brew, complex but not overpowering.