Double Bass Peppermint Chocolate Stout by Starr Hill Brewery is being evaluated as a Spice Herb or Vegetable (Category 30A) from the 2015 BJCP guidelines.
The base beer is an imperial stout that pours a very dark brown –nearly black, opaque with a foamy rich tan head. Has a low density texture, with excellent persistence.
The aroma is moderately licorice, that quickly transitions to minty, nearly mouthwash strength, and intensifies. The herbal character overcrowds without sharing the stage with the roasted malt.
The flavor has a moderately-low roasted malt character mirroring the aroma, then quickly changes over to herbal mint. These flavors seem compartmentalized and not in harmony. There is a little chocolate milky-ness with a long minty finish well into the aftertaste. The dryness is smooth yet the herbal presence is perhaps too strong.
Its medium body and carbonation give this beer a pleasant mouthfeel along with the tiniest alcoholic warmth. The subtle milk chocolate creaminess adds character but withholds the astringent factor that most roasted malt beers are notorious for which is a good thing.
Overall a bitter chocolaty stout with minty flavors that is unique to say the least, yet subjective enough to warrant a fan base. At times this beer is interesting and unassuming. It delivers a minty punch that will attract those looking for a unique herbal ingredient to a classic imperial stout. Will pair rather well with a chocolate molten lava cake.