City Stout
City Grille and Brewhaus

Sampled on-tap at the brewpub 12/28/05, 4 weeks after opening.

This stout poured a jet black color with creamy, brown foam that persisted and clung to the inside of the glass. The smell was dark, roasted malt with some coffee aroma as well. The taste was dominated by roasted malt but with some coffee, bitter chocolate, and some yeast flavors. The mouthfeel was smooth and dry with medium-full body and modest carbonation. The finish and aftertaste were pleasantly malty with dark malt flavors lingering. This was a good stout, and perhaps City Grille's best beer on my visit.

Appearance: Dark brown, translucent, minimal head and lace.

Aroma: Dark malt, little else.

Taste: Very bland, roastiness is quite lacking, and hopping is minimal. Tastes like a weak, watery, Brown Porter.

Mouthfeel: Thin, thin, thin. Too much carbonation, watery.

Drinkability: All three of us failed to finish even half of our pint.

Suggestion to City Grille and Brewhaus: Embrace the wonders of black patent malt, a decent noble hopping rate, and perhaps even install a nitro-tap the next time you decide to brew a stout. Oh, please also consider doubling the grain bill.