Day 18 - Split Shot Espresso Milk Stout
Sweet/Milk Stout | Elysian Brewing | Seattle WA
You only see half a glass there because had I not split this with my wife, the coffee stout fan that she is, I woulda been sleeping on the couch these past few nights. And this is Elysian who, if the pattern continues, is gonna knock this one out of the park as well. And, yeah, they did.
Taking a big whiff of the glass gives me expected aromas of chocolate, coffee, chocolate, and some roasty sweetness, too. And chocolate. A nice doormat, it beckons me to enter. Taste-wise, wow. Just, wow. It has a smooth and rich mouthfeel, chocolate and coffee are right there, then some plum joins the party, and as things start to wind down, the coffee lingers. And it's even better as it warms, where the chocolate and coffee notes become entire chords, the coffee notes hitting a particular crescendo. There is some bitterness, but the lactose keeps it from being biting. A supremely balanced beer with a pleasing amount of complexity and charm.
This is the best stout I've had in quite a while. Easily a 4.5 out of 5 - awesome. The next time I try this, I'm going to let it warm a little and serve it in a snifter, something that can let the aromas play around a little. It may score even higher. In fact, I'm likely gonna grab a six tomorrow.