Cask
Lough Gill Brewing Company

Clear, deep and dark brown pour, appears black in the glass; thin yet persistent light tan head. Rich, earthy sweetness oozing from roasted grains. Exquisite flavors blending together; milk chocolate and cocoa with a subtle Irish whisky undercurrent; caramel and brown sugar; sweetened coffee in the background. Heavy mouthfeel; dense and chewy on the palate; nice offset of alcohol warmth.

An outstanding Irish stout that gives all the Irish big names a run for their money. Well-balanced, rich and easy drinking.

Pouring temperature: 53.2 ℉; canning info: L2139/40
Source: @micada (BA Stout/Barleywine BIF#1)

 

(330 ml can, L2139/40; purchased off shelf for $18.99?!? at Bobkat... poured into a snifter)

L: pathetic rise of foam, dying off quick, leaving a stark, nearly black liquid with faint brown highlights

S: bourbon? barrel, dark molasses, black licorice candy... molasses cookie and toasty espresso soon emerge... the barrel aromas fade over time, sinking back beautifully into the roasted grain, resulting in a(n 'artificially') black bready malt dominance with notions of depth and complexity

T: while this is clearly a sweet stout foundation with a layered expressivity, the (spicy) bourbon? and wood influence drenches the base beer... lingering caramel creams in the aftertaste, and an amazing degree of espresso expression and depth... not too too sweet, despite some reports; the robust roastiness keeps it in check

F: slowly unfolding viscosity, attenuated all around it by furtive heat... this is neither slick nor sloppy... the heat is never hot... a soft fizz somehow maintains through each sip... quiet fury

O: a typical whiskey-barrel aged malt bomb of a strong stout, more heavy on the sweetness and malt (to-style) than the barrel character which - though it gives a valiant go - can't quite express fully enough... I don't think that was the point... thought I would want to dump it, but easily savored each drop (2232)

Look/smell: Slightly murky, brown porter colored ale poured into a snifter. Head lasted about as long as a soft drink. Looks a bit on the thin side. Light roast coffee and molasses followed by Hersheys syrup, vanilla extract, and faint whiskey barrel notes.

Taste: Yoo-hoo like Milk chocolate sweetness and light, cinnamon roast coffee with less acidity. Heavy handed lacto sweetness coats the tongue. Barrel is short lived. Not enough bittering hops or roast to balance the cloying sweetness. It’s off putting-especially because it leaves an overwhelming, artificial sweetener after-taste in my mouth. Like a chocolate covered malted milk candy made with Splenda.

Feel/overall: I suspected this beer to be thin and it is but the residual sugars and medium carbonation give the impression of a slightly heavier mouthfeel.
I was excited to try this one because seldom do breweries age beers in Irish whiskey barrels. Unfortunately this one missed the mark mostly due to not only how sweet it was but how that sweetness registered with me. Not likely to finish this one.
Beers are just getting too damn sweet.

 

 

A creamy dark golden chestnut head briefly holds one-half inch over the jet black Stout. Spotty lace washes away with a syrupy film that produces full legs on a Swiftwater snifter.

It's interesting how the roast can be simultaneously subtle yet have a distinct char to it. Lush coffee ice cream is elevated by very mild whiskey and a hint of vanilla. Dark chocolate builds, then comes alive with warmth. Warmth also releases alcohol fumes. This beer really showcases itself and how warmth can transform it. Not only are new sensations revealed, but the initial ones become more vibrant.

The flavors are well done with mild bitterness being in lock step with sweetness. Each sensation mirrors the aroma. Irish Coffee is unmistakable and so much better given the mild sweetness. The finish is long lasting and filled with charred malt. Warmth draws out molasses and a faint sourness.

The dense body and creamy texture coat the palate. Alcohol is quite present without heat. Soft carbonation. Residual sugar builds on the lips.

This is another excellent beer to enjoy one sip at a time while reading, and even better fireside. I imagine it would also be excellent with long deep conversation and perhaps even a cigar. I am enjoying it in the dark after Thanksgiving dinner and soaking in the quietness.