Sleddin'
Refined Fool Brewing Co.

UPDATE: Refined Fool has been re-using beer names. Sleddin' was originally a chocolate mint stout, but it is now a hazelnut espresso porter. I am leaving this review here for posterity.

473 mL can from the brewery; dated Nov 23 2023 and served barely chilled. Part of their "Winter Danger Sports Pack".

Pours an inky black-brown colour with brick red highlights; gathered atop is one finger of frothy, tan-coloured head that lasts for three or four minutes. A sudsy collar remains, surrounding a filmy cap and framed by a thin band of continuous lace - looks fine to me. The aroma does have a distinct 'mint chocolate' vibe - dark chocolate and spearmint to be specific, with minor notes of cocoa, roasted grain and coffee.

A decent mint chocolate stout - the mint isn't overdone, being noticeable early on in the sip and complementing the baker's chocolate sweetness that surges on the back end. I'm also getting hints of roasted grains and coffee, but spearmint and dark chocolate dominate the profile, particularly the finish; the aftertaste is chocolatey and minty, with a touch of alcohol warmth and metallicity. Medium in body, with moderate carbonation that adds some crispness to this stout's smooth, slightly slick mouthfeel. Surprisingly quaffable - vs. the other beers in the 2023 set, Sleddin' is probably the most drinkable of the three.

Final Grade: 3.64, a B grade. Mint and beer are not what I would call a winning combination, but Sleddin' makes the best of this iffy duo by loading up on the dark chocolate, helping to tie the whole thing together. Still, it's rather one-sided and/or lacking in depth, as the flavourings hog the spotlight. I really don't think this brew will knock any socks off, but for a novelty flavoured stout it turned out ok - I could drink this again, though I'm not sure I'm inclined to do so.