Braxton Labs French Toast
Braxton Brewing Company - Braxton Covington

 

Pastry stout with maple syrup, vanilla beans, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Poured from a can into a Listermann pub glass. The pour is black and velvety with a nice viscosity. It sports a finger of brown foam that dissipates rather quickly. On the nose I smell roasted barley, molasses, and a hint of vanilla.

Full body with a creamy feel and a balanced, heavy flavor. Up front I get slightly sweet caramel notes which quickly give way to roasty notes of coffee and cocoa. Along with the roastiness comes a faint taste of maple syrup and vanilla, keeping the roast from tipping the balance. The finish brings some cinnamon, cola, and sarsaparilla to the party and the lingering flavors seem to differ with each gulp.

I think this is the first pastry stout I've had from Braxton. They still have a ways to go to match the ones from Listermann, but this is a darn good start. I tried it at the brewery and I thought the one I had on tap was sweeter than this one (and reminded me a lot more of the pastry stouts from Listermann). Nevertheless, this is one enjoyable stout. Who cares if it's hot outside.