Another Monday night, another pint (or pints) full of beer. It’s a tough life, but someone’s gotta do it. Last night the beer flowed freely from the bottle as good decision making flowed out the door. The Lost Abby’s Serpent’s Stout filled our glasses and weighing it at a whopping 11% ABV it was sure to be a raucous night. Just like the serpent convinced Eve to eat the forbidden fruit, so too will this stout lead you to ill advised judgement.
Appearance
Bordering on midnight black, Serpent’s Stout pours from the bottle like motor oil. A medium brown head rises from the depths of the glass, like light trying to escape a black hole, and forms a frothy two-finger layer of tiny bubbles.
Smell
A sweet caramel maltiness hits the nose first and is backed up by hints of honey and nutella. A second whiff from the glass dishes a wake-up call dose of strong coffee. Strong roasted malt smells disguise the 11% ABV and reaffirm the old saying that we just made up “never trust a serpent.”
Taste
All 11% alcohol slaps you in the face on the first sip and hits with a left hook that knocks out all inhibitions on the second. Peel back the layer of alcohol and your left with notes of strong black coffee and extra dark 85% cocoa chocolate. Close your eyes for a second and you’ll think your drinking an Irish Coffee.
Mouthfeel
Very full bodied beer, almost feels like it needs to be chewed. Nice carbonation tickles the tongue.
Drinkability
The full body and through-the-roof alcohol content does not lend itself to drinking pint after pint of this beer. Think of it as Guinness on ‘roids; the Barry Bonds of stout if you will. A pint of Serpent’s Stout will warm your gut. Perfect for a cold rainy Monday in San Francisco. Overall grade for Serpent’s Stout: A-
Serpent’s Stout
Up next on Tuesday Tastings: Hog Heaven Barleywine