Brewery: Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
Location: Chico, California, USA
ABV: 5.8%
Version: 12 fl oz bottle

Having recently covered the rather lacklustre Porter from Sierra Nevada I approached their Stout with a bit more trepidation than I would otherwise have done. However, one sip was all that was required to reassure me that I needn’t have been concerned.

This stout pours as it should; thick, very dark brown, almost black colour with a substantial frothy head, which soon thins down but retains a presence throughout. The aroma is surprisingly light, mainly laidback malty notes. That light maltiness follows through in the flavour, some bitter chocolate, a touch of coffee, and I’m sure there was a hint of liquorice hiding in the background. Some extra bitterness pushes in as the hop flavour develops but it’s all very well controlled and perfectly balanced. Then to round the whole taste experience off, there’s a gentle kick from the alcohol and a lovely lingering finish. Wonderful stuff indeed.