Dark Phase
Surly Brewing Co.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20200117
Can - 12oz

 

 

12oz, canned on 10/04/19. A tall & foamy brown head slowly fades atop a black stout. Big roasty aroma with dark bitter chocolate, char, and French roast coffee. Bold roasted barley flavors meld well with notes of dark chocolate, caramel, coffee, toffee, earthy hops, and a touch of lactose. Medium-to-full creamy body, ample carbonation, roast prevails through the finish. Good fairly easy drinking sweet stout with extra roasty flavors.

 

12oz can. Stamped canning date is '09/23/19'.
Dark cola colored body, with a medium brown back lit edge. One finger of tan head, which sticks around as small bubble cap. Most of the lacing slides back down into the body, but a few spots are left behind.
Aroma of dark roasted barley malts. Hints of smoke and dark coffee.
Taste is sweeter dark roasted malts. Slight licorice and smoke.
Medium mouth feel. Smooth texture. Very good carbonation.
Straightforward stout which expresses layered flavors of dark roasted barley malts. The end reminds me of a good cola.

 

Pitch blank pour, not a glimmer of light showing through. Light brown thick head, good retention. The nose picks up roasted notes, black coffee and licorice. First taste is noticeably light, almost a British Porter body with a noticeable carbonation. Not chewy or having massive doses of coffee , chocolate or something else. Surly is not attempting to be anything overly complicated; which is good. As it warms a bit, it loses some of the lightness and has a lingering bitterness which takes away a little. Overall, a good, simple stout.

Dark Phase pours a black color, with a small, but long lasting lacing head. Nice smokey aroma, smells like roasted grain. Flavor is full, yet drinkable, roasted grain flavors, hints of smoke, very smooth. Good body and feel. Overall, a very tasty, no frills, plain stout.