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Sal Mortillaro II's picture

Uroboros

December, 2016

Uroboros

Judges Rating: 
91
Aroma: 
22 / 24
Appearance: 
6 / 6
Flavor: 
37 / 40
Mouthfeel: 
8 / 10
Overall Impression: 
18 / 20

This Belgian inspired Stout pours an opaque black color.  A creamed coffee head quickly dissipates on the pour and leaves a thin ring around the glass.  An overall moderate-low aroma consists of roast grains with wisps of chocolate on the nose.  There is a very-low barrel like character though this is only slightly noticeable.  There is a slightly spicy and fruity note that appears to be yeast derived and is complimentary to the roast grain in the aroma.  Malt sweetness is moderate and malt flavor consists of dark, bitter chocolate is at the forefront and marries well with a roast notes.  The fruitiness and the spice notes aforementioned in the aroma help conjure tastes reminiscent of dark fruits and a touch of cinnamon.  Moderate-low hop bitterness along with pleasant earthy and ash like flavors from the use of roasted grains help ground this beer out.  Hop flavor is undetectable and is overpowered by the roasted grains.  As the beer warms, the flavor of ethyl alcohol become apparent, though it is not solvent like and adds to the bittering character of the beer, also a slight sour note is apparent as well as the beer warms. After the swallow, the flavor thins out quickly, but the earthy roast carries into the finish.  The body of this beer is medium-thin, though it is slightly watery as it is swirled in the mouth.  The carbonation is sparse, but there is just enough to add a creaminess to the beer.  There is a slight alcoholic warmth while the beer is drunk.  Overall, this is a very interesting interpretation of the combination of a stout and Belgian qualities.  Sweet, roasty, fruity, and a little sour make for an interesting beer that begs the drinker to contemplate the glass in front of them.  I enjoyed this unique offering and would purchase if I saw it for sale in the store or a local establishment.  This beer would pair very well with tiramisu as the flavors of both the beer and the desert are complimentary and almost parallel to the other.