Pacific Pearl - The All Black's Stout
1516 Brewing Company

Another fine one-off product from 1516. The name refers to a New Zealand rugby team ("the All Black's"), because NZ hops were used, and because the beer truly is pretty much all black under a thick and creamy one finger tan head that ain't going nowhere, leaving thick sheets of lace everywhere. A truly beautiful sight! The nose, however, is disappointingly mild - basically non-existent, even after the beer had warmed to room (well, sidewalk actually, as I enjoyed it outside) temperature. The mouth is light and mildly carbonated, allowing the malt to coat the tongue and stick forever. Wonderful smooth smokey taste with just a touch of caramel before the coffee grinds attack the taste buds. Then dry, dry, dry bitter - almost like ear wax (but in a good way). Bitter lasts forever at the back of the throat. Oh my!