Milk Chocolate Cherry Stout
Canteen Brewhouse (Il Vicino)

 

 

 

Poured from a week-old crowler into a nonic pint glass. The pour is viscous a motor oil and just as dark. A chewy cappuccino-colored head forms two fingers thick and looks like something I might have to bite through to reach the brew. Lace is plentiful and streaks up the sides of the glass.

Even as the beer's pouring, coffee notes waft towards my nose. Given that I'm expecting chocolate and cherry, this is a surprise, albeit a welcome one. A second examination of the aroma and I get the sweet lactose and bitter dark chocolate notes. Very different from what I'd expected (something like a cherry cordial), but I'm happy with what I'm smelling.

My that's a sweet brew.....aaaaand there's the cherry cordial. Major cherry cordial flavory. Dark chocolate and a sticky sweet cherry flavor. The finish lingers with sweet cream and a touch of tart dark fruit. Something about the finish is a tad tart, while also semi-dry and coffee-like.

There's a whole lot going on in this brew and it's all good. It drinks creamy and medium-bodied with low carbonation, so I almost find myself gulping it down a little too quickly. I have to remind myself this tasty treat is an 8% ABV.

Definitely a good brew. Canteen has got my full attention now that they fill crowlers and I can take a delicious brew like this to go, to share, for whenever.