The Great Molasses Disaster
Backlash Beer Company

 

Can from the brewery Solid black in color with a good sized tan head with moderate retention. Earthy roasty molasses dark burnt sugar with bits of dark dried fruit. Prunes raisins. Thick body creamy mouthfeel tasty sipper.

 

 

12oz can dated 12/11/17 (has about a year of age). Kept cold its whole life.
Poured into a 12oz wine stem glass at room temp.

Pours a jet black shade, with burned ruby highlights on only the rim. A coffee and cream brown finger and a half head lasts about 3 minutes before being reduced to a good collar and lacy patches on top. Lacing left behind on the glass.

Nose is deep rich roasted malt, some char, coffee grounds, cacao, and the molasses lies underneath.

Palate is a punch of dark roasted malt, burned caramel, cashew milk, heavy char and smoke notes, and a little bit of faint berry action tucked deep in. I can sort of imagine a whisper of molasses in there if I really dig. I'm getting some tobacco smoke ash in the finish too. This is ultra roasty. The smokiest, ashiest stout I think I've had. Lots of charcoal/charred wood. There is a rich sweetness up front, but then that wood smoke comes in, and pushes it aside, taking its place in the form of pronounced charry bitterness. Alcohol is not well hidded, and I had to remind myself it's only 8%, because it drinks like 11% in all aspects. Moderately sweet in the forefront, and smoky, bitter, and dry in the close.

Mouthfeel is rich, thick, oily, and viscous. Heavy and clingy and incredibly smooth and luscious. The best mouthfeel on a sub-10% stout I've ever had. You really can't believe this is only 8% ABV. Fudgy and slick upfront, and ultimately dry as it finishes.

Overall, I have mixed feelings. It smells great, it feels amazing, it tastes great in the first half, but this one is a little charry for my preference. I like notes of smoke and char. I like a little dryness where it fits, but this one is just a touch heavy on the bitter finish. It lacks the molasses character, but that can be forgiven. It's good. It's not a bad stout by any means. It has a ton of character for its ABV. It's got some.good qualities and some.great qualities. It just falls short of being spectacular. Most likely won't buy again, but would if it sat amongst lesser stouts.

 

 

Pitch black with a one finger burnt sienna head.
Roasted malt aroma.
Dark chocolate taste, burned coffee. Maybe a hint of molasses.
Bitter and dry mouthfeel

 

 

Poured out black as night. Gorgeous looking brew. Baker's dark chocolate, cocoa, coconut, pine and tons of burnt roasted malt. Medium bodied. Huge bitter dry finish. Lower sweetness level. Flavorful. Pretty good.

 

Best warmer, starting at 48°.
Nice pour- opaque black with a 4F head.

The aroma isn't strong but good. Roasted malt and some sweetness.

Moderately heavy viscous body.

More of the roasted malt in the taste along with chocolate,and coffee.

There doesn't seem to be much molasses. Just a hint.

Overall, a good IS. I like the look, and the body, but the aroma could be stronger.