547 Stout
Ludlam Island Brewery

I had a pint at the brewery served on cask. It is dark walnut in color with a foamy, light khaki head and soapy lacing. The nose offers roasted malt, chocolate, freshly-brewed coffee, and burnt nuts. Its taste follows but is better than the smell: Baker's chocolate, acidic coffee, and earthy, nutty char. As it warms the chocolate provides modest sweetness but it is nonetheless dry and bitter. As expected with a cask pour it is plush and smooth and very easy to drink at 5.6% ABV. Overall, 547 is a fine, no frills American IPA with good depth of flavor. I like the original better than the variants I've tried.