La Racine
La Gueule de Bois

Purchased in Montreal 8 weeks ago, but no idea when it was bottled - the label is not clear. It is definitely sour and whether that's a result of an infection or is intentionally so, all I know is that this is the first Quebecois beer I've bought that will become a drain pour...

Pours a dark near-black with an intensely carbonated, large bubbled head (also indicative of an infection) and disappears quickly, No lacing or any of the creaminess in mouthfeel that I expected from a milk stout. Aroma of sour milk with a variety of barrel tannins. Likewise in the flavour, a very thin and simple taste of "sour" without any complementary chocolate or caramelized malt notes.

Don't believe these characteristics were all intentional and would certainly give the brewery another shot, but I was really looking forward to this beer and it's a real disappointment.

Sampled at the PRF BBQ tasting soiree, several ounces poured into a tasting glass. Thanks to Marsupialized for sharing this one, and Peppers/EmpireStateTroopers for hosting!

Nearly to the brim it showed off a large head of darkish tan foam, though it was poured carefully. The body was a dark brown, but fully transparent where the light came through. Looked more like a Dunkel or London Porter than a Milk Stout, but there was plenty of lace and a lasting head on it.

Aroma of cocoa, fruit, and cola. A bit of acidity there signaling a likely infection unfortunately. Tart cidery flavors, nowhere close to stout territory, more Flanders than anything... though it's not all bad, it's definitely not intentional (imho). Very thin bodied and tart, very "off" for the style. It was tolerable for a bit, but I didn't want to finish it unfortunately.

 

I poured this one as hard as I could after seeing that it wasn't coming up with much head. Still, almost no head resulted. No lacing. The consistency looks quite thin for a stout as well. Looks kind of like a glass of Coca-cola. Less than average appearance for the style.

The smell that hit me first was Tootsie Rolls! This could otherwise be interpreted as chocolate, but to me it smells specifically of Tootsie Roll. Some smokiness, vanilla and roasted malt. Great smell but not enough of it (which I'm sure is caused by the almost complete lack of head).

Pretty weak on taste, really watery for a stout. Some light roasted malt and a hint of chocolate. It tastes like it could be good if the flavour was about ten times as strong.

Way too thin bodied for a stout, especially for a milk stout. Too light on carbonation as well.

While I seem to be trashing this beer, it's not undrinkable. It isn't offensive, it just doesn't meet any of the requirements for the style. This isn't a drain-pour but I definitely won't be buying it again. There are so many good stouts out there, leaving no reason to drink an average one.

Pours black, after the head settles down. A little roast. Root beer with significant lactose that gives it a sour milk edginess. A passable stout. A tad thin, but drinkable for sure.Some coffee in there, even a bit of chocolate. A brunch beer.Recent from Montreal.