Murdered Out Stout

Roasted malts, coffee and bitter cocoa combine with some low-level earthy hop aromas and prune-like esters hide underneath it all. At first sight. this beer appears black and opaque but when held up to light, it is a deep ruby. A thick, tan head drops to a creamy cap which lingers throughout. Roasted malts, bitter coffee and unsweetened cocoa flavors coat the palate. Moderate hopping combines with the roast for a decidedly firm bitterness. The roast also helps to dry out the finish. The medium-light body has moderate carbonation and is neither creamy nor astringent, though it is a tad sharp. Between the roast and hops, the beer is quite bitter. This is an excellent take on an Irish Stout, but I would have appreciated a little more creaminess to round out the flavor; however, this is more of a personal preference than a stylistic requirement.