Cowcatcher
Smartmouth Brewing Co.
Story by:
Chris Guest
Sweet Stout
Year-Round
Virginia
United States
Judges Ratings 92
Aroma: 23 / 24
Flavor: 39 / 40
Appearance: 4 / 6
Mouthfeel: 9 / 10
Overall Impression: 17 / 20
Description
Named after the device on a locomotive that clears the way, Cowcatcher always runs smooth. This milk stout is as black as night with a thick tan head. One whiff and you’ll notice the aromas of rich cocoa and dark-roasted coffee beans. Swish it around your palate to savor its full-body and smooth mouthfeel. It boasts a warm pumpernickel-bready flavor and finishes with a touch of bittersweet chocolate. Enjoy this beer with dessert – brownies, chocolate chip cookies, or any rich, sweet treat.
Beverage Profile
ABV: 5.50%
IBUs: 33
Served at: ()
Hops: Palisade
Malts: Black, Carapils, Crystal 60, Munich, Oats, Pilsner, Roasted Barley
Judges Review
By Jim Koebel
Judges Ratings 92
Aroma: 23 / 24 / 24
Flavor: 39 / 40 / 40
Appearance: 4 / 6 / 6
Mouthfeel: 9 / 10 / 10
Overall Impression: 17 / 20 / 20
Milk stouts are sweeter than their Irish and American brethren, often resulting from a combination of lactose additions and lower hopping rates. This example smells pleasantly sweet and roasty – like coffee or cream. It pours an opaque, very dark brown color with a low tan head that does not rouse well. This beer’s flavor has some richness and roasted grain and is appropriately sweet but never cloying. It has a drying, roasty finish. Bitterness is moderately low and seems to come mostly from roasted malts. Despite the low head, this beer feels well-carbonated. Still, it is somewhat creamy from the medium-full body, but it is missing the fruitiness often found in the best examples. Still, this milk stout is nothing but enjoyable.
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