Old Stone
The Cleveland Brewery

Poured into a tulip at the brewery
A: Dark brown, almost pitch black with a one-finger tan head
S: Cocoa, generic hops
T: Matches the nose
M: Medium-bodied, crisp/bitter
O: I’m having trouble pulling out specific notes but as usual with John’s hoppy beers it’s delicious

Stopped by the brewery and am trying this one. Served on-tap in a snifter, this beer draws a very dark brown, practically black color that isn't whatsoever interested in letting any light get through. Has a tan head that's about 1/2 of an inch thick when first served that eventually settled to a thick ring lining the inside of the glass no sime good lacing. Aromas of roasted chocolate malts, a strong hint of black coffee, and earthy and piney, resinous hops are all present. The taste is pretty much the same, with roasted chocolate and caramel malt sweetness along with some dark chocolate and black coffee bitterness that give way to earthy, piney, and resinous hops, resulting in further bitterness. The bitterness, while making itself known, still manages to be more refined and not overly pungent (not that being really pungent bitterness isn't sometimes a good thing in beer). Has a crisp, yet smooth, almost silky like, medium to full bodied mouthfeel. Has a clean finish with a fairly dry aftertaste. Good stuff here indeed. A fine representation of this style.

Eric