Black Ajax Stout
Pints Pub

 

not my favorite beer they do in here. its a bit sharp and bitter, somehow astringent, and even with warmer fermented english ale yeast, it doesnt really belong in this style, certainly not to this degree. i know they have some batch variance from brew to brew, and i remember this being better in the past, so maybe a less careful batch this time, and its still not bad, but its not quite right either. i like it having a little less body, a lighter more drinkable feel, and i like their house yeast a lot, but there is a tannic sharp even acidic property in the finish here that i cant move beyond. it seems to expose some of the bitterness in the grain, which makes it a bit much in the end. i noticed it in the scotch ale this time too, wonder whats up. this has some unique potential, especially from the cask, to be a pretty classic english style stout, but for this round, i would suggest paying a little closer attention to temperatures along the way. i think its unfair these guys dont have a better reputation for their beer, i love what they do, but these occasional inconsistencies suggest a more amateur approach thats hard to overlook...

 

In tap at the pub the beer is served in a standard pint glass. The beer is deep rich dark brown almost black opaque color with a decent beige colored head, decent retention with some lacing. The nose consists of roasted barley with hints of chocolate and a bitter coffee with a touch of vanilla. The flavor follows suit with a rich roasted character throughout. Mildly bitter with again hints of chocolate, coffee, and vanilla. Good carbonation and medium bodied. Finishes dry and smooth, creamy. Overall, not a bad stout, I'd order again.