Thunder Jacket Raspberry
Ludlam Island Brewery

10 oz. pour on cask at the brewery. It pours nearly black with a modest, light mocha-colored cap and minimal lacing. The smell is huge and fragrant with ripe, sweet raspberry over milk chocolate and freshly-brewed coffee. The sweetness and earthiness are complimentary. I was concerned that the raspberry would overwhelm the other flavors but no worries. It's sweet but soft and mellow and perfectly balances the acidic coffee, milk chocolate, and earthy notes. As the Stout breathes in the glass, the raspberry seems more tart which adds depth to the overall flavor. Everything works as it should. Served on cask at the right temperature it's soft and creamy and the 8% ABV is barely noticeable. Overall, while I seem to like each new variant of Thunder Jacket best, this one is superb. Just a pleasure to drink.