Chocolate Hazelnut Stout
Southend Brewery & Smokehouse

The beer arrived on the table black with a huge brown frothy head that was 2 fingers tall and lasted forever to coat the glass.

The aroma was strong chocolate with a strong hazelnut mixed in. The aroma was nutty and contained a caramel sweetness and a dose of coffee.

The flavor was nutty with hazelnuts, chocolate and coffee all melded together but all at very high levels. The flavor contained a sizeable sweetness with caramel malt and a fruity character. Almost like tasking a hazelnut dark chocolate bar.

The finish was dry with lasting hazelnut, chocolate and coffee into the aftertaste. The body was medium full and nicely done with a creamy mouthfeel. More of an after dinner beer due to the richness.

Pint at Southend. At the time of my visit the staff was calling the beer Chocolate Hazelnut Stout.

Pours a huge, mocha colored head that recedes very slowly. The beer is almost black in color, with only a little brown coming through the edges.

Chocolate and hazelnut all over the nose and tongue. Hints of milk chocolate, German chocolate cake, hazelnut, hazelnut cappuccino, and cream are all over the place. The nose has more chocolate, and the tongue more hazelnute, but they are very similar. Hops are slight, only a mild bitterness is noticed.

The carbonation is on the high end of the low range, and the body a heavier medium.

Tough because of the sweetness and body, though the alcohol is very well hidden.

The beer is called an Imperial Stout, but fits best into the American Double Stout category.