Judge’s Review: 87 Rating – Leprechaun Say ‘Yeah’ by Bearded Lady Brewing Co,

Irish Stout | Seasonal | USA

By Joseph Formanek

Judges Rating: 87.00
Aroma: 22.00
Appearance: 5.00
Flavor: 36.00
Mouthfeel: 7.00
Overall Impression: 17.00

Leprechaun Say ‘Yeah’ by Bearded Lady Brewing in Elizabethville, PA is being evaluated as a Category 15B Irish Stout as per the 2021 BJCP Guidelines.  
It is named after a quote in one of the most hilarious YouTube videos ever where residence in a Mobile AL suburb are searching for a leprechaun to take pictures of in a neighborhood tree. Unlike its namesake, this brew would typically be found poured in a beer glass and is much easier to take pictures of!
The aroma is typical for the style, with chocolate malt and some roast barley up front followed by an acrid black malt. There is a touch of soy in the aroma which typically comes from oxidation due to aging, and there is also a light smoke character following up.
The appearance is black and opaque, with a moderate tan small bubble head with fair retention. The head probably would have been more impressive if the carbonation were a touch higher. This was poured from a can that felt a bit “soft”. The flavor demonstrates very evident chocolate and black malt with a touch of ashiness in the finish. There is a moderate roast barley flavor that lingers through the finish, but could be a touch higher in impact. The black malt character lingers through the finish. Hops are low to moderate and might also be a bit subtle for the style. The soy and smoke notes from the aroma are also present in the flavor, though less so. The body is somewhat thin.
Overall, Leprechaun Say ‘Yeah’ is a nice offering and unmistakably fits the style. There are a few quibbles on the hop and grain bills where adjustments could deliver an even better balanced brew, but is still enjoyable as is. Try to search this one out — but you’d probably have better luck at the brewery instead of camping out in front of a tree! Cheers and Enjoy!