Piano Keys
New Belgium Brewing Company

 

 

16 oz can served in a Belgian snifter.
Appearance. Poured with a clear reddish-brown body that is so dark it appears to be opaque. The head is short but semi-durable and leaves ample lacing clinging to the glass.
Aroma. Subtle vanilla, dark bread, dark dried fruits and chocolate.
Flavor. Parallels the aroma, if more harmonious thanthat suggested. The high quality chocolate is notably rich and complex. It's well balanced.
Overall. An excellent chocolate stout! Cheers to my pre-pandemic 1st Sunday beer drinking buddy, Ale Sharpton.

Appearance: Dark brown, khaki mousse-like head with tiny compact bubbles. Good retention. No visible carbonation.

Aroma: Roasted malt up front. Hint of cocoa & vanilla. Alcohol barely detectible.

Flavor & Aftertaste: Hint of floral hops. Cocoa & vanilla notes accent roasted malt backbone. Medium sweet. Restrained bitterness. Mild alcohol.

Mouth-feel: Medium to full bodied. Smooth, creamy mouth-feel. Low carbonation. Low astringency. Medium length finish.
Overall: This is a collaboration with Atlanta based craft beer ambassador Ale Sharpton (that's right, Ale) and New Belgium. Features adjuncts XOCOLATL cocoa nibs and Ugandan vanilla beans. This is built as an Imperial Stout, but drinks closer to a Porter. It has a medium body, creamy smooth mouth-feel. My glass had some nice lacing on it. Quite restrained bitterness. Cocoa and vanilla flavors stand out from the roasted malt backbone. This is an amazingly smooth stout. Some might be critical that it does not drink close to the Dry Irish Stouts they are used too; but I like this a lot. Be forewarned, it is silky smooth; but has a 10% ABV, so be careful. It can sneak up on you! Congratulations Ale Sharpton, this is outstanding and represents the city of Atlanta well.