Firkin Stout
Old Capitol Brew Works and Public House

This was a decent beer, and a new offering from the Old Capitol Brew Works & Public House. I noted that it is offered year round, but it is only available on Firkin Thursdays after the firkins are tapped at 5:30. If you're ever here on Firkin Thursday, however, I would highly suggest the Firkin IPA instead.

The appearance is like a typical stout. Jet black with very little light penetration. The only thing interesting to me was that this is a real ale poured directly from a firkin (cask), yet there was a massive pillowy head uncharacteristic of even a well-carbonated, non-nitro poured stout.

The smell was quite lacking as well. There was a very slight coffee smell. If it is like most house beers from the Old Capitol, though, it is served at way too cold of a temperature for the smells to really open up (with exception of the dry-hopped Firkin IPA).

The taste was interesting. It was dark, slightly roasted, and coffee-like, but I could also tell it was dry hopped in the cask, providing an interesting contrast of the typical malty stout flavors along with the chronic hop flavor. Not the best stout I've had, but it's an interesting try.

The mouthfeel is fairly light. I could do for a bit thicker and creamier, but this isn't that big of an issue. It was drinkable enough, but I don't know if I will order another for as long as the Firkin IPA is concurrently available.