Neapolitik
Crooked Run Fermentation

 

 

 

 

Pleasant bonus can received in a trade, definitely well exceeded my expectations.

Pours a nice 2.5 finger head of fine, creamy froth, punctuated by the odd larger bubble. Really impressive retention for a multi-adjunct stout.

Not much of a nose while cold but as it warms vanilla and strawberry just keep dialing up, hint of chocolate underneath.

Drank close to cellar temp and to my delight all 3 flavors are present and none too dominant. Nice chocolate, strawberry and vanilla, arguably in that order but the balance is very close between all three. Just a kiss of booze but not at all unpleasant, almost welcome to help combat the sweetness just a little. I tend to under-detect alcohol heat compared to some but this far less hot than something like Old Rasputin at a similar abv.

Mouthfeel was the real standout. Thick and luscious, it really helped sell the Neapolitan ice cream thing. I feel strongly that chocolate and vanilla need a thick body to support them and replicate the taste and feel of a milkshake or other dairy base, rather than feeling like you're drinking chocolate water. This totally nailed the mouthfeel for me and I wish other stouts were this full. Often times achieving that thickness dials up some strong flavors to 11 and turn the beer into a real sipper, but this managed to be flavorful without being too strong or over the top.

A really pleasant surprise that I'll definitely seek out again.

 

Pours a light brown head. Beer is dark chocolate black. Really good look.
Smell is delicious. Exactly like neopolitan ice cream. Good sugary sweet strawberry smell mixed with vanilla and light chocolate smell. Ditto taste. Strawberry and vanilla in the aftertaste. Feel is heavy but creamy. Light carbonation. Really good and the most closest to actual neon ice cream.