Alley Kat Brewing Co. Back Alley Brews Black Star Foreign / Export Stout at 6.6% ABV | 35 IBU (C$6.41 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 650 ml, best before 25-Apr-2017, acquired 13-Dec-2016, reviewed 14-Jan-2017)
Appearance: nearly opaque black with brown margins, short beige head diminishing rapidly to a thin ring, patchy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: roasty (verging on burnt) malt, dark chocolate, coffee, caramel, earth, hint of citrus. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium-full smooth body, moderate carbonation, moderate bitter finish. (3/5)
I kind of like the idea that this thing doesn’t technically have a name on the label, other than “★”. Is it supposed to be a Bowie reference, d’ya think? In any case, it’s a solid, slightly emphatic stout, well in-spec for the “Foreign/Export” label, except for the less-than-impressive head retention. Might be very nice on a nitro tap, but serviceable as-is. (13/20)
6.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
