Session Stout
Anderson Craft Ales

Another Ontario stout received in trade from thehyperduck. This is a lighter session stout from Anderson's in London. The colour is dark brown with a smallish, quick-dissipating tan head. The nose is a sweet milk chocolate with a little roastiness. Like a toasted marshmallow. The body is lighter, quite thin per 3.8% with a crispy, tangy mouthfeel. It drinks quickly. A reasonable choice if you want stout flavours in a lighter package.

June 3 2024

355 mL can purchased at the brewery; dated Feb 6 2024 and served slightly chilled.

Pours an opaque, oily black colour, producing over an inch of frothy, brown-tinted head that leaves a spotty coat of sticky lace as it falls back. Five minutes later, only a thin collar and a few wisps on the surface remain - looks good so far. Coffee and molasses on the nose, with hints of baker's chocolate and chicory.

The flavours are along the same lines: coffee, molasses and roasted grains, with hints of dark chocolate and herbal, earthy hops. Mild to moderately bitter on the finish, with hints of coffee grounds and burnt grain/ashiness lingering into the aftertaste. Light in body, with average carbonation that rolls softly along the tongue; feels thin, but it's got great drinkability.

Final Grade: 3.57, a B grade. Anderson's Session Stout is admittedly a little light on flavour, especially for a stout, but I suppose that's the risk that comes with session-ifying a beer style. Under most circumstances, I don't see myself picking this over a standard-strength stout - it's just not as satisfying. That being said, it may have some utility when lower abv is an important consideration, e.g. if I'm camping (during the day) or working in the backyard, or any other situation where I want a beer without the associated buzz. Nothing amazing, but if you're seeking a light stout then this is worth taking a flyer on.