Hoppy Stout
New Belgium Brewing Company

 

 

Thought initially this might be a better approach at the mythical stout/ipa hybrid than the Black IPA route. Unfortunately it ends up in a similar muddled place. Started out positively with a jet black coloring and thin, faint-lacing head. And I liked the smell, with an appealing balance of piney hops, dark chocolate, a little espresso, and some burnt char. But the taste was a disappointment, with the bittersweet chocolate notes battling with the grassy, citrusy hops in a combative, not complimentary, way. The feel was thin with a high level of carbonation, which was "fine." Not a bad beer, and more successful that many hybrids I've tried, but not a success in absolute terms. And if you're measuring it against other American Stouts, it's average at best.