Full Steam Stout
The Rare Bird Pub & Eatery / Authentic Seacoast Brewing Company

Dark brown with a moderate head. Chocolate malt nose with some coffee notes. Medium malt body with good crispness and carbonation. An edgy stout.

 

 

 

 

 

Full Steam actually looks half-hearted for a stout. This mahogany brown colour is dark but it's definitely not black; colourful flares peek out from the sides and bottom and, given the right light, even clarity can be appreciated. Its head isn't bulky either - the lace lacks the strength to cling to the glass.

Two things are apparent from the first few sniffs: 1) coffee is certainly in there; 2) this will not be my highest-rated stout. Unless you're a caffeine fiend desperate for a little jolt, this aroma is likely to completely underwhelm. No chocolaty roasted malt notes? This smells weak and highly astringent.

Once tasted we can add 'sour' to the list too. We're not talking infection, and I don't mean to the extent of puckering, but the taste definitely concludes with an overripe fruit-like tartness that actually tickles the tongue. In its place should be fudge, roast or at very least coffee - it is after all brewed with the stuff!

You'd think this was someone's first foray into homebrewing (and yet they claim to be home to the oldest commercial brewing operation in Atlantic Canada). Not to be disrespectful but I wouldn't feel comfortable releasing this to the public. Aside from an out-of-place caramel sweetness there's absolutely zero maltiness (in taste or texture) to accompany those weak licorice root and instant coffee flavours.

Canada's east coast has a long ways to catching up with the west (or central region for that matter). If Full Steam Stout is any indication they're not making any strides. You'd think a province with such strong Scottish ties would produce a richer, fuller stout than this. Head Full Steam away.

Poured from 650 ml bottle picked up at Harvest Wines in Dartmouth.

Smells of coffee grinds and tastes of sour, dark coffee. Mouthfeel is a bit thin. Overall, an enjoyable coffee stout.

Great balance of chocolate, coffee and roast.

 

 

Incredible. I loved this beer.

 

 

 

 

Poured from 660 mL bottle. Aroma of malt and coffee. Unlike the description that claims that it pours black, the actual appearance is a dark and hazy brown with significant tan head. Has a medium bitter taste. It has a medium body, with an oily texture, and a bitter finish. Does not quite live up to the description.