Self
R. Shea Brewing - Merriman Valley

16 ounce can, canned on 09/22/21. Thanks to Brutaltruth for this one! Served in a snifter, the beer pours dark brown/black with about an inch or so tan head. Head retention and lacing are both decent enough. I like the aroma, the brew smells like banana pudding, Nilla wafers, caramel, cream and cocoa. I think the taste is similar to the aroma, but there's also some burnt/charred malt, coffee and salty flavors noticeable too. Definitely reminds me of banana pudding, that flavor stands out but doesn't overpower the others. Mouthfeel/body is full, it's creamy and slick with a good amount of carbonation. I liked this brew more than I expected, wouldn't mind trying it again in the future. Recommend this more to people who like bananas and banana pudding although stout lovers might enjoy it too!

This brew came highly recommended from the vendor, but even without Wally's pushing this on me, I would have bought it due to good history with the brewer and it's a style I like a lot. At $4.89, it better not be a failed experiment.

It pours black and slightly fizzy. It looks well made, but nothing extraordinary. The aroma is somewhat tainted with the banana pudding smell, and that comes through in the taste. Remember Laffy Taffy? This is the expensive brew version. The sweetness sits on top of a nice bitter stout - a nice combo. It finishes cleanly for such a big brew. It's hard to believe it has this much alcohol in it.

Not recommended. I don't "not recommend" often, but I certainly don't want this brew again, and I really don't care for what the banana did for this. It tastes like a failed experiment.

Canned on 9/22/21. 16oz can poured into a tulip.

Pours almost black; light khaki head that fades leaving decent retention and lacing.

The aromas have banana leading the way. Some chocolate. Malts are there.

The flavors follow the nose. More banana leading the way. The banana is the star. More chocolate. The salted caramel comes through. Subtle saltiness in the finish. It's obviously sweet but it's not cloyingly sweet or anything over the top. Low bitterness. Solid malt backbone. Alcohol is extremely well hidden considering the ABV.

Mouthfeel is full-bodied with moderate carbonation. It's fluffy, smooth and slightly sharp. This one is dangerously drinkable.

This is a pretty nice pastry stout. The banana shines and works well with everything else that's going on. This makes for a great dessert beer. They executed and delivered on what they're selling. Well done.

From the 16 oz can in a snifter via Jungle Jim's cause' the Little Lady can't
pass up the beer aisle when I got a whole bunch to review----sigh. :)

This solid brew pours a dark brownish black with a nice head of
khaki foam that settles to a thick ring, thin dusty layer, and shows
some nice light lacing. Nose of banana, cocoa, rich cream, and
subtle salinity. Flavors nail it with salt dashed cocoa,
banana bread, cream, moderate char and roast, and touches of
dark coffee. Nice mouth feel; full body, smooth, coating, rich,
light carbonation, and a medium light dry finish that is
bitter malt focused.

Overall, a solid little brew from a solid brewery!

Cheers