Harvest Stout
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant

On tap @ Iron Hill West Chester on 11/20/11. Served in a goblet. This is an American Stout brewed with Belgian yeast.

Pours a deep dark ruby in the glass, topped with a ½ finger or so of light tan colored head. This retains with a thin richness around the edges of the glass but does flare-up well when swirled, leaving back a foamy cascade that quickly slides down the sides and leaves back some light spotty lace. The aroma smells of earth, green hops, spice, dry cocoa powder, and then a sweet mix of malt and fruit across the back of the nose. This is decent but seems like it could use a touch more fullness.

The taste is cocoa and caramel sweetness up front, while a firm green bitterness lends this some crispness. I’m picking up a touch of softer fruit on the edges of the profile before this finishes dry and roasty with some trailing spiciness. The mouthfeel is medium bodied with a sharp and lively carbonation that prickles the tongue but this does get a little creamier across the back. This is generally pretty crisp and easy feeling in the mouth.

I liked this. The Belgian yeast character was subtle yet still completely complimentary to this, while still keeping the focus on those chocolate, roast, and hop flavors. That 5% ABV made sure that this was one crisp, easy, and accessible American Stout.