Black Sail
Moonraker Brewing Co.

Pours black, brown head, 3/4" deep, good retention. Aroma of entirely roasted malt. No frills, no adjuncts perceived, even though there is a chocolate malt feel to it.

Taste is straight forward: roast, but not bitter or acrid. Mere hints of roasted chocolate smoke throughout the beer and mouth feel. Good balance, this makes for a nice stout on a its own, and a nice base for some of those barrel room projects. Carbonation on point to make this balanced between heft and drinkability.

While the brewery is known for its hoppy goodness, I'm yet to have a stout from them that wasn't very good in its own right.

Tasting notes from 01/20/17
Had on-tap@ Moonraker Brewing in Auburn, CA

Appearance - Near black in color with cola brown highlights. Cocoa powder colored, quarter-finger width head that settles to a thin, broken layer of suds with a fair ring found around the edge of the glass.

Smell - Chocolatey with near equal malt roastiness. Very mocha-like aroma.

Taste - Follows the nose. Notes of both milk and dark chocolate character, followed mid-taste by a solid punch of roast. Hint of char smokiness. Finishes with a nice balance of the aforementioned flavors and it lingers nicely in the aftertaste.

Mouthfeel - Full-bodied with moderate carbonation. Slightly creamy texture turns bone dry in the finish.

Overall - Of the three stouts I've had from Moonraker, this one takes the cake. Fantastic punch of flavor while also displaying an awesome balance of roast vs sweetness. I'd liken it to Deschutes Obsidian in some ways, which is a huge compliment. I'm hopeful they'll can this one.