It’s all about the sumptuous stouts and porters tonight.
Mudslinger / Wild Weather Ales / 5.5% (chocolate milk stout)
Eyes: ultra-dark brown
Nose: dark chocolate / end of
Mouth: as above
Notes: this hums with Bournville chocolate to the nth degree. The aroma and flavour are sweet and rich, and the body is smooth and creamy. This is a very luxuriant dessert beer that I reckon could win over those who aren’t into beer through its relaxed charm. Faint note of roasted coffee and grain at the end to round it off.
9/10
1.02 Coffee Porter / Northern Monk Brew Co / 7.4%
Eyes: black / burgundy highlights / totally opaque
Nose: ultra-fresh coffee beans
Mouth: as above
Notes: this is an absolute belter, and yet another prime example of why I love this brewery.
Check out the Patrons Project – a beautiful multimedia initiative designed to foster collaboration between local creative people. This kind of cross-discipline initiative, for the sheer joy of sharing and creativity, really appeals to me.
The beer itself is astonishing – stark, hyper-fresh coffee leaps out of this thing like a solar flare, but it’s not harsh or overpowering; it’s just fresh, bold and achieves utter clarity. It mellows out and becomes even richer and more contemplative as it warms up. Magnificent.
10/10
Circle Master 