Beer Review: Sierra Nevada Stout

Reviewing Sierra Nevada Stout by Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
Score: 92

Tap pour served in a Stella Artois glass.

Appearance: Pours like jet black coffee with 2-3 fingers of head. Average lacing. Totally opaque; no light is getting through this sucker. 4/5

Smell: Dark unsweetened chocolate with a hint of coffee beans. The chocolate aroma is more silky if you swirl the glass, and hints of caramel come out. A slight boozy smell as it warms. 4/5

Taste: Imagine melting down the darkest unsweetened chocolate bar you've ever eaten and pouring it into a glass. That is this beer. A little alcohol warmth as well, mixed with lightly toasted caramel malt on the mid palate. Finish lingers for a while with dark unsweetened chocolate. 4.5/5

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied beer, minimal carbonation. Pretty dry finish. 4/5

Overall: I've always appreciated Sierra Nevada as making above average brews across the board -- with their signature brand and 30 year anniversary beers standing out as strong beers -- but this one might be my new favorite Sierra Nevada beer. It is certainly one of the better "regular" stouts I have had the pleasure to drink. Very smooth and drinkable. I would recommend this to anyone who likes darker, unsweetened chocolate flavors.

Recommendation: This is certainly a beer with a lot of good flavors that is not too aggressive. Low ABV, pretty drinkable. This is one anyone can enjoy.

Pairings: A good steak would probably go wonderfully with this beer, maybe the dark meat of a lamb as well.

Cost: $4 at the bar, $8.99 a six-pack.