Threat Level Midnight
Sapwood Cellars Brewery

Grabbed a can at Sapwood @ 6/13/3025. Canning date 12/20/2024; no particular reason that it was still around. I frig’d it since. Had today 10/10/2025. No particular reason other than in the mood for a stout and Sapwood provided.
Wow! If I’d known… it would have gone down same day I purchased…would have tried to get more.
While it was a disappointing pour as head was very thin; dissipated entirely…And I had done a bit of a vigorous pour to produce a hoped for remarkable creamy foam. But no. However appearance otherwise more than made up for it. Initial black opened to light of setting afternoon sunlight beautifully. Color was deep walnut brown with very rich accents of burnt orange, burgundy and deep ruby. Much more an exceptional Wee Heavy than stout.
The nose was somewhat subdued and malty; light hints of chocolate and fudge.
Taste was “stand out” excellent. Dark malts, dark fruit. A subtle but rich roasted backbone that supported the chocolate, gentle strains of espresso and caramel.

A scotch ale / stout hybrid? Yes, please! A slight light to medium khaki colored head quickly fades away leaving only the slightest of lacing... Color is a jet black that lets some light leak in around the edges... Nose of caramel, faint coffee and some roasted malts... Subtle but pleasant... Palate is equally subtle but with added depth and complexity... Molasses, brown sugar and a touch of vanilla join the party... Medium to full bodied and sleek with limited carbonation... Very nice beer... I don't get much of the scotch ale character, rather just a slightly sweeter stout, but it is delicious and enjoyable nonetheless the less..,

This is an absolutely fantastic beer. The best of a Scottish stout and Scotch Ale. Incredibly smooth, complex, yet easy drinking. I might be partial to Scotch Ale, but this is the most unique combination of the two!

The one I got said it was a Wee Heavy style beer ("Scottish-Inspired Stout") with a lower alcohol level than this listing at 6.5%. It was an outstanding brew, despite the lower alcohol, it was rich and full bodied. Very impressive, delicious beer.

16 ounce can poured into a snulip.
CANNED ON
Can labeled 6.5% ABV

L: Dark brown pour, 1/4" ruddy medium brown head is short lived.
S: Caramel and chocolate malts, notes of fresh ground coffee, getting some grainy corn notes as it warms.
T: Sweet and malty, caramel and minimal roasted malt flavor, a little tangy early on, both fruity and earthy notes.
F: Medium carbonation, medium-full body, creamy and viscous.
O: A touch too sweet but otherwise good.

From tasting notes 01/24/19
Had on-tap at Sapwood Cellars in Columbus, MD

Appearance - Served up in a 14oz stemless, black with cola brown highlights. Mostly barren surface and only a handful of tiny spits for lacing.

Smell - Sweet aroma. Chocolate, caramel and a touch of toffee.

Taste - Follows the nose, though the toffee is more prominent. Fair chocolate notes while the caramel seems to be the base flavor. You're lucky if you catch a faint glimpse of roast here. Starts sweet and finishes sweet, but it manages to avoid levels of a cloying magnitude.

Mouthfeel - Medium-to-full in body with fair carbonation. Nice, creamy body with a smooth, slightly dry finish. Definitely the best aspect of this beer.

Overall - Good brew, but it really could use a touch of roast to add balance. Its sweet throughout; hard to imagine drinking a full serving.

Very well crafted stout for a moderate ABV. Sweet and smooth with a very mild roast.