Strawberry Cheesecake Stout
Incendiary Brewing Company - Winston-Salem

A: Pours an opaque yet still clear jet black in color with moderate amounts of fine active visible carbonation rising along the edges of the glass and moderate dark cola brown + dark chestnut brown colored highlights. The beer has a two finger tall sudsy foamy dark tan head that reduces to a medium sized patch of mottled very thin film covering a little more than 30% of the surface of the beer and a very thin ring at the edges of the glass. Light amounts of lacing are observed.

S: Moderate to strong aromas of roasted + chocolate + graham cracker + caramel malts with a light to moderate amount of lactose + caramel sweetness. Moderate aromas of sweetened strawberry + light flavors of tart cheesecake (almost like a hint of cream cheese).

T: Upfront there are moderate to strong flavor as of roasted + chocolate + graham cracker + caramel malts with light to moderate amounts of lactose + caramel sweetness. Moderate flavors of sweetened strawberry + light flavors of tart cheesecake (almost like a hint of cream cheese). Finally there is a light to moderate amount of toasty bitterness which lingers through the finish.

M: Medium to full bodied with moderate amounts of carbonation. Smooth.

O: Drinks pretty easily considering the strength and the alcohol is well hidden as well as the sweetness being tempered. Enjoyable with flavors from strawberry cheesecake but in a more subtle manor than with many of the other pastry style stouts on the market.

Appearance: Pours a coffee color with a thin beige head; dots and a few streaks

Smell: Strawberry, for sure, with cocoa tones; not sure if there is cheesecake or shortcake complementing

Taste: Chocolate flavor with both sweet and tart strawberry elements emerging; a tad more tart than sweet; the finish tastes a bit like artificial flavoring

Mouthfeel: Medium body - surprisingly thin for the ABV; moderate carbonation

Overall: Interesting idea but I was surprised that it just didn't work, given this brewery's success with other adjunct stouts; thin mouthfeel and the cheesecake never really emerged