Peppermint Chocolate Sharing Size
Free Will Brewing Co.

Pours a deep dark brown color with over a finger of beige head. The nose has definite minty notes that unfortunately are more reminiscent of mouthwash than Andes Candies. The mint is also present in the flavor profile, but it is more in check than in the nose. There is also some chocolate flavor notes as well. the mouthfeel is modestly sticky and the alcohol is kept well in check for a double digit ABV stout.

 

2022 edition (not retired, apparently) - 11.2% ABV

Pours with some viscosity and a big fat fluffy head with excellent retention and seismographic waves of lace. Which is all just a pretentious way of saying its a good looking beer. Tons of mint on the nose, but instead of coming off boozy (like Rumpleminz or something) like I feared it might, it just smells like Grasshopper cookies. Which is pretty fucking cool. Some deep roasty notes under that too. Damn! This smells really good. Tastes like a cookie up front but that mint note sticks around too long and makes for a cool minty mouthwash middle. Finishes a little more on the sweet side, fortunately. I don't hate it, but that boozy mouthwash note isn't great. Also tastes a bit like those red and white mint hard candies. Its a taste you kind of have to be in the mood for. Medium-bodied, which is just fine even if a bit thinner than anticipated. Really light carbonation and, again, that suits this beer just fine. An interesting beer, but if I had this to do over again, I would have just gotten a four pack of the coconut variant. That beer kind of smokes the others in the variety pack I purchased.

A very rich milk stout. Peppermint/chocolate flavor is not overwhelming. Nice balance! ABV at 11.2 % is not noticeable…. So be careful!

Pours black with a small brownish head. Aroma is pure mint, just what you want from something like this. Taste is sharp mint, a little chocolate with some restrained sweetness. Not bitter, maybe a bit of sourness. Medium mouthfeel, easy to drink for this AbV. Delivers on what it promises.

 

16 oz can

Pours black, thick tan head that fades. Very nice aroma that is indeed reminiscent of a York Peppermint Patty or Junior Mints. Taste is spot on too, the mint keeps the sweetness in check. I was worried how that would work in a beer, but its good. Full bodied.

A - Black pour with thin, creamy lacing.

S - Chocolate and peppermint dominate the nose. Period.

T - Chocolate and peppermint from start to finish with some peppermint cooling on the backside over top of chocolate.

M - Big medium body.

O - This beer is all about the peppermint and the chocolate. That's it...no more, no less and exactly as the label advertises. If you like this combo, I highly recommend it. Not your gig? Then stay away. I could see this one being polarizing. Regardless, to Free Will, mission accomplished and nailing the combo.