We’re puttin’ on the Ritz tonight, tux, tie, tails, and a top hat too! Singing along with good ol’ toe tappin’ Fred Astaire “I’m puttin’ on my top hat, Tyin’ up my white tie, Brushin’ off my tails, Pourin’ myself a glass, of class, one of Gateway’s great ales.”* Gateway City tell us that this stout is a tip of the hat to the classics and the movie Top Hat is certainly that. Although in this case I get the feeling that the classic they’re referring to is a Guinness.
A black tie pour, to go with Irving’s score. No head under this hat. It smells real good, like a good stout should. A nice smooth mouthfeel. Almost creamy. The taste of roasted malt and cocoa sweet, a touch of coffee, just a bean or two. Slight bitters on the finish with a dry aftertaste. A touch of smoke seals the deal. All in perfect sequence and balance.
And the inevitable comparison. The only difference between this and a Guinness, or a Black Heart for that matter, is the nitro creaminess that they have.
It’s a beautiful brew, a tip of the hat to Gateway, they nailed it. This is what an Irish stout should be.
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