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Esker Hart Artisan Ales

Poured into a stout glass at 62°. The color is nearly ink black but the attractive, medium-mocha head dissipated rapidly. Its sweet, aromatic smell includes brown sugar, coconut, vanilla, and dark chocolate. However, the sweetness of the nose gives way to a more bitter flavor. The chocolate is of the baker's variety and there is abundant earthy char and burnt nuts in the background that are softened a bit by the fresh coconut and vanilla bean and just a touch of caramel. Considering the adjuncts this is a very traditional Stout. The mouth feel is pleasantly viscous and creamy with low carbonation, and the 12.5% ABV is quite well hidden with just some mild heat. Overall, I like that Esker Hart avoided the temptation to make this Stout too sweet. It would pair well with a hearty dinner and would be a fine dessert sipper.