Crown City Espresso Stout

Formerly brewed at Crown City Brewery
Style: Stout
Pasadena, California USA

At first I thought this was going to be a very enjoyable beer. Dark opaque blackish brown color with a creamy beige head (not on nitro). Moderate lacing. Roasty, barley aroma with a substantial coffee component that made me anticipate the first sip. The flavor started off well - roasted coffee flavor with a light chocolate aftertaste. Light acidity and mildly astringent. Moderate mouthfeel and carbonation. Dry finish. Then it warmed up and pulled a Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde on me. It became very acidic and quite astringent. The nice flavor vanished and I was stuck with half a pint of beer that I didn't want to finish. The rating reflects the transformation. Some work and this would be an excellent stout.