Kalamazoo Stout

An aroma that initially smells of sweet cream and light anise gives way to an earthy, lightly roasted malt profile with hints of chocolate. There is a hint of musk and sweat as it warms and no hop aroma to speak of. The beer is opaque with a tightly packed dark khaki head that lingers. The flavor profile is where this beer really shines; there’s a lot going on here. Fairly assertive hop bitterness helps support a complex malt profile that has elements of earthiness, toasted bread, chocolate, coffee, black licorice, and a hint of treacle. There is a light piney hop flavor that doesn’t get in the way, allowing a lightly roasted coffee flavor to take center stage in the finish. A light hop-derived astringency detracts from an otherwise nice mouthfeel that features a medium-full body. A seemingly “old-school” approach to American Stout that hasn’t lost its charm, this beer is a bit lackluster overall but has a malt complexity that keeps it interesting for the entire glass.