Large bubbly tan head that fades to a creamy topping. The beer is black and opaque.
First sip: dark-roasted malt and very dark chocolate up front, with a little coffee and toffee after-burn. Slightly bitter after-taste on the back of the tongue. No "linger" - all flavours fade too fast Mouth feel is a little thin for a stout, maybe on the light end of medium. Carbonation is light and yet still a little foamy.
Not bad, but could be better. It goes down too fast for a stout, maybe due to the light mouth-feel. It doesn't have that heavy malt flavour I like in stouts. The malt does come out better as the glass warms but still not quite enough. Even so, it's nice and not too hoppy.
My hat, however, remains unlifted.
I still have good memories of eating beer-batter fish & chips at the Grand Ridge Brewery. I need to do that again.
Hatlifter Stout
Grand Ridge Brewery
4.9% alc/vol
330ml bottle
Same again, sir? Um... ok.
