Double Bass Mocha Double Chocolate Stout

Double Bass Mocha Double 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, it pours very dark brown –nearly opaque. It has a short cascading effervescence that builds up a dark tan foamy head.  The ½” thick head density has a long lasting persistence. 

The aroma of roasted coffee salutes you up front, it has a cold press quality to it, it is a gentle and soft coffee note, there are no detectable hops, and the fruity esters are kept low.  If you dig in you’ll find some sweetness of perhaps lactose, resembling coffee with milk and sugar.

The flavor of roasted coffee in the front is followed  by a smooth, nearly milk chocolate note.  It is smooth and drinks more like a malted shake.  The fermentation is clean and has a pleasantly soft malt bitterness, not the hops.  The finish is short  with a semi-dry aftertaste, light licorice notes develop as it warms.

This ale has a medium body.  The medium-low carbonation is perceived from the creaminess.  There’s no astringent character, yet has a slight warmth and by keeping the alcohol in check delivers on that difficult task. 

Balance, balance, balance, this beers embodies it.  The flavors and aroma are in harmony with the base beer and complement the added coffee ingredient. An expertly made beer and highly drinkable.  Perfect to make an ice cream float with, or make some of my wife’s delicious stout ice cream with.  Cheers!