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Jim Koebel's picture

Cowcatcher

January, 2016
Judges Rating: 
92
Aroma: 
23 / 24
Appearance: 
4 / 6
Flavor: 
39 / 40
Mouthfeel: 
9 / 10
Overall Impression: 
17 / 20

Milk stouts are sweeter than their Irish and American brethren, often resulting from a combination of lactose additions and lower hopping rates. This example smells pleasantly sweet and roasty – like coffee or cream. It pours an opaque, very dark brown color with a low tan head that does not rouse well. This beer's flavor has some richness and roasted grain and is appropriately sweet but never cloying. It has a drying, roasty finish. Bitterness is moderately low and seems to come mostly from roasted malts. Despite the low head, this beer feels well-carbonated. Still, it is somewhat creamy from the medium-full body, but it is missing the fruitiness often found in the best examples. Still, this milk stout is nothing but enjoyable.