Dark Stone Waters
Great Lakes Brewing Co.

 

 

Having this on-tap at the brewery, this beer Is one of the collaboration beers that was made for this year's Cleveland Beer Week. Described as being a "Belgian style stout", whatever that means. Served in a pint glass, this beer draws a very dark brown color with some deep amber/ruby highlight when held up to the light. Has a tan head that's about half an inch thicknesses first served to me that settles eventually to a medium to thick sized ring lining the inside of the glass. Not much lacing here unfortunately. Has a nice aroma of dark, roasted malt along with cocoa and a hint of coffee that gives way to some orange peel and coriander notes. The taste is pretty much the same, with dark, heavily roasted malt smokiness that's nicely complimented with a bit of cocoa sweetness and some bitter, roasted coffee notes. These are followed by bits of orange peel and coriander and it's all rounded out with a bit of an earthy hop bitterness. A very interesting and complex flavor profile indeed, the combination of it here is something I don't think I've ever quite tasted in any other beer I've had. Has a slightly crisp, mainly smooth, just slightly creamy, medium to full bodied mouthfeel with moderate carbonation. Has a clean and certainly rather dry finish. Easy to drink in the way well crafted beer ought to be. When I tried all of the collaboration Cleveland Beer Week beers on the opening night of Cleveland Beer Week on Friday 10/14 this one was one of my favorites, so I am very glad I get to enjoy a full pour's worth of this one.

Eric

 

This is a collaboration between Great Lakes / Rocky River / Stoneyard for Cleveland Beer Week 2016.

On-tap at Heinen's in Mentor, Ohio

This is described as a "Belgian Stout". Pours almost black with a small khaki head that leaves nice retention and lacing. The aromas have lots of yeast notes. Banana and bubblegum is there. Hints of roasted malts. Subtle hints of cocoa. The flavors seem to follow the nose. Lots of banana. Lots of roasted notes as well. Hints of anise is there. Some cherries in the mix. It's slightly sweet, but finishes dry. Alcohol goes unnoticed. Mouthfeel is very nice. It's medium-bodied and slightly thin with sharp active carbonation. It's very smooth and easy to drink.

This is a nice brew. It's very clean and refreshing. Well crafted.

2016 Cleveland Beer Week collaboration with Rocky River Brewing Co and Stoneyard Brewing Co
Poured from a growler into a pint glass
A: Dark brown with a one-finger tan head
S: Chocolate, orange, roasted malts and Belgian yeast
T: Matches the nose note for note
M: Medium-bodied, smooth
O: A well-made Belgian ale, quite tasty