I have been working on ‘the perfect stout’ for a long time. In fact one of the first batches I ever brewed was a stout.
A while back I create “The Stout Experiment” in an effort to try multiple additions in a single batch. Oddly enough the control (without any additions) ended up being the best.
I have since done three other bathes (including this one) that has tweaked the recipe slightly each time, based on my tasting notes.
Appearance: Dark, no light gets through. Tan (khaki) head with tight bubbles. Alcohol clings to the side of the glass with lacing from the head.
Mouthfeel: silky smooth, but not thick or heavy. The rolled oats contributed to this.
Flavor: Sweet Carmel at first gives way to burnt coffee, dark chocolate and a hint of grapefruit from the cascade hops.
Aroma: Carmel and noble hops.
All in all it’s the best stout I have ever had but I can identify at least two or three places that show room for improvement.
Next batch I think I will add more roasted barley to turn up that burnt coffee flavor a little and possibly change the aroma hop.
5stars