Fat Dog Stout
Maplewood Farms Restaurant & Brewery

German-style refillable growler filled at Maplewood on 4/17/04, enjoyed on 4/19/04. Growler was filled to the tippy top, all the better for preventing CO2 loss and oxidation. Cool.

First imperial pint glass pours with a airy 1/2" chocolate shake brown-colored head, which eventually faded down to a layer of foam. Inky black hue to the brew, totally opaque, and the aroma is heartily of burnt malts. Taste is not as bitter as one would have expected for the amount of dark malts indicated by color and nose, and actually is a bit sweet. Seems a bit thin in the mouthfeel for a brew such as this, but that actually enhances the drinkability. Another worthy brew from Maplewood.

Sampled on tap at the brewpub. Described as an Irish Stout.

This stout poured black with hints of brown around the edges, with tan foam that settled but coated the glass a little. The smell was dark roasted malt. The taste was dark malt and coffee with hints of caramel and cocoa. The mouthfeel was clean and smooth and relatively dry with medium body and carbonation. This was a good stout.