This week Hapa’s continues to explore the world of East Coast craft beer as we work our way through the trade we made with a Boston based beer enthusiast. This week’s tasting took us to the Big Apple as we sampled some of Brooklyn, New York’s finest.
The melting pot that is Brooklyn is home to wide variety of people from Haitian to hipsters; a diversity reflected in Brooklyn Brewery’s beer portfolio. Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout is one of the brewery’s winter seasonals and at 10% ABV it keeps New Yorkers warm through the cold dark winter months.
Appearance
True to its name, the beer pours a midnight black. It is visibly thick with a consistency bordering on motor oil. A thin head barely reaches a single finger and leaves little lacing.
Aroma
Dark chocolate and raw cocoa notes come through immediately. Dark roasted coffee and molasses mingle with fruit notes of plum and fig. Distinct caramel and burnt toast aromas of dark roasted malt are also present. 10% ABV is too much to hide even with all the chocolate and malt complexities.
Taste
A pint worthy of the “big beer” classification. Huge roasted malt flavors and subtle chocolate notes assault your taste buds. Secondary layers of flavor include black licorice, dark fruit, and oaky vanilla. Finishes with the bitterness of espresso and burnt toast.
Mouthfeel
Full bodied beer is heavy and chewy in the mouth. Carbonation is very light. Finish is dry with a slightly warming alcohol
Drinkability
It would be very interesting to see how this beer would age in a bourbon barrel. We’re of the opinion that it would only get better. However, this is still a very good example of an Imperial Stout and one that we would be up to trade for again. Overall grade for Brooklyn Brewery Black Chocolate Stout: B+
Up next on Tuesday Tasting: Ninkasi Total Domination IPA