Astor Place Winter Stout
Other Half Brewing - Center Street

 

Picked this up at Other Half in Williamsburg not too long ago, as I wanted something to have on hand for the best of a winter that's finally starting to fade away. As always, this was an enjoyable offering from them that was easy to sip, plenty flavorful, and nicely crafted from start to finish!

Molasses brown in hue with a full, mocha head that never fully settled, this was pleasing in appearance from the pour. Not a lot of lacing was left behind as the suds were concentrated right above the level of the liquid with many of them slowly sliding down the side of my pint glass. Madagascar vanilla, roasted coffee, bean, and cacao was in the steady nose as the taste was just as lively, full, and enjoyable. Chocolate bar, roasted coffee, and creamer came in on the taste as this felt balanced, and every bit as strong as its stated ABV%.

Dated 12/11 of last year on the bottom of the can, with "F L X" written below it, this was a New York beer through and through. The label had the Big Apple down, as well as on it, as it would be worthy of bringing along to a spinning of The Alamo in front of Cooper Union. It's always nice to have a Stout to savor that doesn't hit you over the head and end your session, as this fit that bill perfectly. Grab a can during these waning days of winter, and be glad that Other Half nailed the style so beautifully!

Just shy of two fingers worth of rich and lush medium khaki colored froth... Color is an inky aubergine that lets a tad bit of light leak in around the edges... Caramel and roasted malts highlight the aroma... Perhaps some nutty characteristics as well... Flavor profile mostly as expected... Leads with the roasted malts before the sweetness kicks in and crescendos... On the fuller side of medium bodied... Sleek with just a modest bit of carbonation... Decent, enjoyable and easy enough to sip on after a long day...

Poured into a wide mouth, grip shaped goblet: color is dark brown/near black, head is tan/light tan, head presents 1+ fingers thick and then dissipates to thin top, some lacing on glass sides.

Smell is light roast, then vanilla, some chocolate, light earthy bitterness.

Taste is more vanilla upfront, light roast, some chocolate, herbal and earthy bitterness.

Mouthfeel is lower carbonation, moderate sweetness, lower bitterness but a lingering low bitterness.

Overall an odd stout with a heavy hand of vanilla and light roast and more prominent chocolate notes; a bit sweet and light on bitterness.

Almost black. Big vanilla aroma flavor with nice roasted malt character to balance. Good balance of flavors and lightly sweet. Fairly light bodied with a dry finish.

16oz can into a pint glass. 2025 release.

Darkest brown body, small off white head, rings of lacing early on. Aroma of vanilla and chocolate. On tasting, heavily vanilla softening the roast, although the finish is quite roasty.

Overall, a bit unbalanced for this palate. Less of a vanilla hit would have worked for me. Other palates might enjoy more.

Dark mohagany appearance with a lasting tan head
Light carbonation with a bit of a thin feel yet has a slight creaminess
Aroma is roasted malt, black coffee, cocoa and vanilla bean
Taste is roasted malt, ground coffee, dark cocoa powder and vanilla bean