Category 12 Brewing Excitation Cacao Nib Espresso Stout American Stout at 6.4% ABV | 30 IBU (C$9.50 at Zyn, 650 ml, bottle date 3-Jan-2017, acquired 16-Feb-2017, reviewed 3-Mar-2017)
Appearance: nearly opaque deep brown with brown highlights around the margins, one fat finger of fine creamy beige head, moderate retention and patchy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: cacao, espresso, light ash and liquorice, hint of resin. (6/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body tending slightly thin, moderate-soft carbonation, dry mild bitter finish. (3/5)
Feels slightly thin – a little more body would work with the chocolate notes. On the up side, the espresso presence is mild and well-balanced, not tasting overextracted as so often happens with this style. Not bad, but not exactly memorable, either. (13/20)
6.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
