I love the word Bobcaygeon*, it rolls off the tongue and sounds like the name of a Louisianan bayou croc hunter. According to the Tragically Hip the sky in Bobcaygeon was dull and hypothetical. Good song but what the hell does that mean? Am I digressing again? I guess it could have been the Willie Nelson, or it could have been the wine.**
Having just sampled an excellent porter from Highlander I was trying not to compare the two but just couldn’t help it. Maybe it isn’t fair to compare a stout to a porter but any cranky old man will tell you life isn’t fair. I always thought that stouts were a little stronger, both ABV and flavourwise, than porters. I was researching on one of those professor of beerology sites and they said that when it comes to stouts and porters, and I quote: “today the difference is whatever you want it to be.” Not very illuminating. Sounds dull and hypothetical to me.
So what about this stout. Cold night so the fire is stoked and so am I, because I just poured myself a nice chocolate stout. Nice substantial dark pour with a tan head and a skim of white on top. Almost Christmassy. Strong stout aroma, I didn’t notice the chocolate. First swig was full flavour, great mouthfeel. The chocolate was there but tasted a bit roasted, a bit harsh. Strong stout. Good flavour from start to finish. At times smooth but there was a harshness about it from the roasted malts that combined with the chocolate to make a roasted chocolate taste. I assume the lactose in this beer is meant to add some sweetness but I didn’t really notice any sweetness. But that’s OK, when it comes to lactose I am quite tolerant.
Good strong stout which makes for a nice winter drink by the fire. A bit of harshness, not as smooth as my most recent Porter experience, but a good solid stout.
0 Comments