Willoughby Blue and Black Stout

Dark, deep and looking good. Very burnt aroma and flavor. There is no hint of the blueberries touted in the description.

Growler

Since I couldn’t make it up to Willoughby this month I decided to bring the brewery to myself in the form of a growler of one of their recent batches. I’m not sure if this is going to be a regular thing or just a one off like the imperial stout seemed to be. Either way it was a nice change of pace and very approachable. The bottom line is that if you can make it there while this is on tap give it a try. If not find a locally respected milk stout to get the same experience.

Aroma / Appearance - The head grew downwards into the glass until it reached a peak of one finger’s density. Underneath was a deep brown or light black body which swirled fluidly around my pint glass. Inside was blackberries, coffee and wax grade chocolate. It smelled somewhat like a specialty iced coffee drink from Caribou Coffee or other chain.

Flavor / Palate - The fluid mouthfeel was quick to fade and light on the tongue. After a while though I was able to pick up the blueberries and blackberries that were the main component along with other dark fruits. The final transition before the light finish was a cup of cooled hot cocoa or coffee. The rich chocolately finish reminded me of a lighter more balanced version of Southern Tier’s Choklat stout. Unlike that one I could (and did) finish off the growler in two days without any problems.