Raspberry Stout
Bristol Beer Factory

A 500ml bottle with a BB of Nov 2012. Picked up a while back from Trembling Madness in York, and stored in my garage. A raspberry-infused version of their Ultimate Stout. The label mentions that a Belgian yeast was used to brew the beer.

Poured into a Duvel tulip. Bottle conditioned. Pitch black in colour, though revealed as a deep brown colour while pouring. Produces a large head of creamy light brown foam that lasts for a while before disappearing. Aroma of rich, dark malt with notes of roasted grain, chocolate, dried fruit, molasses, tart raspberries, mild earthy yeast and a warming whiff of booze. Complex - the fruit blends perfectly with the stout.

Tastes of rich, dark malt with a subtle fruity character and lingering finish. Slightly sweet. Notes of roasted grain, molasses, chocolate, dried fruit, faint coffee, a hint of tart raspberry, dry yeast and a warming boozy hint. Complex, with little bitterness to speak of. Mouthfeel is velvety smooth and unctuous - fantastic! Light carbonation and amazing body. Dry and mildly astringent. An aftertaste of sweet, fruity malt with raspberry overtones.

Superb - what a beer! A lovely thick stout with lots of dark malty notes and depth. This is complemented by a subtle raspberry twang that blends perfectly with the beer, adding delicious overtones. Slightly acidic but beautifully balanced. If you thought that light fruit and dark beer couldn't go together - this will change your mind (think raspberry-infused chocolate). I believe this is a one-off, but if you should chance across it then don't hesitate to grab one.