Gotham Stout
Chelsea Brewing Company

 

 

(From notes)

A - Deep, dark black with hints of brown and ruby. Solid tan head, only good retention

S - Roasted coffee and malt aromas dominate and there is some grainy/bready hints as well

T - Fantastic stuff. Has the same roasted malt and coffee flavors suggested in the aroma and finishes with bittersweet chocolate flavors

M - Gorgeous, creamy thicker, filling MF. Superb for the style.

D - Good on the drinkability scale because of the complex flavors were still very well balanced and not overpowering (which fits for the style IMO)

Overall, this was a fantastic brew and Chelsea really surprised me on this one. This is a real gem, and I would highly recommend.

Far more than a standard Irish Dry Stout, Chelsea's Gotham Stout is rich with a very roasty and coffee-like flavor that's not found in Guinness, Beamish, or Murphy's. It's full flavored, and medium in body (which is certainly not the case for Guinness). The body is black, as might be expected, and the head is a very dark tan. It holds well and leaves some very nice lace. The aroma is also much fuller than the big three Irish stouts with lots of notes of coffee and roast, as well as hints of caramelized sugars. The flavor follows suit, and this is not any ordinary dry stout. It's much more complex, and rich and satiating. That said, it's certainly not overly malty or sweetish, but just full of character. And not thin bodied. It's a regular American stout through and through. It's certainly worth trying, and in my opinion, also worth seeking out.

Pours pitch black with an almost thick almost brown head. Nose is that light and airy chalky cocoa I expect the dry stouts to be. Flavor is dry yes. But it brings an even roasted tone and a bitter rush on the backside that sticks. Feel is that seemingly thinner liquid thing with a substantial enough carbonation. Another great stout by Chelsea. Damn fine brew and even better than Chelseas stuff normally is.

Poured a deep brown hue with a one finger creamy tan head. There was good lacing and retention.

The smell featured a serious burnt grain with deep coffee notes. Some caramel sweetness detected as well.

The taste was equally knee deep with burnt grains and coffee elements. Excellent robust flavor throughout.

The mouthfeel was full and creamy with a dry finish.

Overall a superb stout. Simply excellent.