Description
This is a classic Dry Irish Stout that focuses on the core elements of the style. It’s built for sessionability and comfort, offering a rich, traditional experience that’s becoming a bit of a rarity in the modern craft scene.
The Lowdown
- The Style: A Dry Irish Stout. It’s designed to be lean and refreshing despite its dark appearance.
- The Stats: It sits at a very manageable 4.2% ABV, making it a fantastic choice for a session at the pub.
- The Vibe: Honest, roasty, and incredibly reliable. It’s a "pinter" through and through.
The Build
The complexity here comes from a carefully layered malt bill rather than an overwhelming hop presence:
- The Malts: A blend of roasted malts and flaked barley creates that signature black colour and provides deep flavours of toasted caramel and dark cocoa.
- The Hops: They’ve kept things traditional to ensure a clean, drying finish. While Lee often experiments with modern varieties, this brew relies on classic British hops (like Fuggles or Goldings) to provide a subtle, earthy bitterness that balances the roast.
- The Texture: It features a remarkably thick and creamy mouthfeel for its strength, which is the hallmark of a well-made Irish-style stout.
Tasting Notes
On the pour, it’s a striking, opaque black with a dense, tan head that lingers. The aroma is full of mellow roast malts, with hints of toffee and a touch of spice. The first sip is nutty and smooth; you get a lovely hit of biscuit and brown bread, followed by a light cocoa dryness. It’s light-bodied but satisfying, finishing with a moderate, clean bitterness and a dry, lingering roastiness.
