General Relativity
Equilibrium Brewery

 

Poured from a 32-ounce crowler (omg) into a 12-ounce tulip. Got a sparse head which disappeared to nothing inside of 90 seconds. Very nearly black, maybe a shade or so less around the edges. The nose is milk chocolate, faint coffee, maybe an itty-bitty alcohol burn. Smells very much like a Mobius except I detect coffee which I couldn't in any way catch in the Mobius.

The taste of this beer follows the nose but is one of the highlights of the beer in my book, along with the mouthfeel, which is surprisingly creamy. This is not a very big beer but I can clearly taste a little booze, not enough to turn anyone who has an idea of what to expect after taking a whiff of the beer out of the can.

I hate crowlers and haven't given Equilibrium any business in several weeks because they insist on this ridiculous format, but this is a pretty good medium-sized stout. Not aggressive in the least but not a training-wheels stout either. Reserved recommendation.

Crowler pour is pitch black color with a nice small tan head that faded slowly and left good spotty lacing.

Smells of dark chocolate, roasted grains, coffee grinds, dark fruit, soy sauce, smoked malt, brown sugar, cocoa and piney/earthy notes. It smells hearty with all the right roasty notes.

Tastes like it smells with dark chocolate, toffee, coffee grinds, smoked grains, chocolate syrup, charred wood, faint piney hops, molasses, tons of roasted notes, cocoa, tree bark or earthy notes and some light citrus. It’s mostly smoky but the chocolate sweetness balances it out and hides the ABV masterfully.

U

 

Had it on tap at Beer Shop, NYC. Pitch black color with a hint of ruby. A moderate mocha head quickly dissipates but yields a thin ring of lace. A viscous and thick looking liquid.
The nose emits nutty malt along with cherry, vanilla and a generous helping of cocoa. The aroma is sweet overall, and not surprisingly, a significant presence of alcohol.
The first taste reveals an alcohol like sweetness that is lightly medicinal. Nutty malt with a moderate roast dark providing some balance. Dark fruit flavors including plum, dark blackberry jam, and red grape. Complexity yields more flavors by the sip; cherry, vanilla, dark caramel, brown sugar and molasses. As the roasted malts flavor grows, an espresso roast bitterness develops, adding some respite from the at times cloying and boozy sweetness. A strong alcohol finish along with a hint of mint and an odd vinous acidity.
Full bodied and viscous. Boozy, sweet, medicinal, and sticky. The carbonation is gentle carb and the alcohol warmth is significant.
A big bodied, rich and decadent stout. I like this brewery (had some of their IPAs) and this one had its moments, but a little sweet and boozy for my tastes.

Aroma: stone fruit, roast, vinous, dark chocolate

Appearance: Dark, thin head with quick dissipation, mild lacing, thin legs

Flavor: sweet up from with roast in the finish. Bittering is moderate, hop flavor low to non-existent.

Mouthfeel: thin body, smooth and creamy, slight chalky finish. Not hot or astringent

Overall: non-aggressive RIS with an aged or cellared impression.