Description
This is a classic Foreign Extra Stout (or Export Stout) that doesn't mess about. It’s designed to be rich, moreish, and the perfect companion for a damp, dark evening. They’ve used a complex grist of six different malts to create a depth of flavour that’s truly impressive.
The Lowdown
- The Style: Foreign Extra Stout. Expect a bigger, bolder, and more intense profile than your standard dry Irish stout.
- The Stats: It sits at a powerful 7.5% ABV, giving it a luxurious, warming quality.
- The Vibe: Decadent, roasty, and incredibly smooth. It’s a "sipping beer" that rewards you as it warms up in the glass.
- The Bonus: It's completely Vegan friendly.
The Build
The magic here is all about the grain bill and the fermentation:
- The Malts: A blend of six malts provides a massive foundation of roasted character, bringing out layers of dark chocolate, bitter espresso, and a hint of liquorice.
- The Fruit: Keep an eye out for subtle, dark fruit notes—many drinkers pick up hints of dried figs and black cherries buried deep in the roast.
Tasting Notes
On the pour, it’s like ink—completely opaque and jet black with a thick, velvety tan head. The aroma is a wonderful mix of roasted coffee beans and rich cocoa. The first sip is full-bodied and "chewy" on the palate; those chocolate and coffee flavours collide beautifully, followed by a slight vanilla sweetness and a touch of dark fruit. It finishes with a firm, roasted bitterness and a gentle alcoholic warmth that lingers.
