Trillium Peanut Butter PM Dawn

The Stats
Style: American Stout
ABV: 10.1%
Current Ratings...
- Untappd: 4.39/5
- Beer Advocate: 4.49/5
- RateBeer: 3.54/5

"What started as a special treatment to celebrate our 5th Anniversary, is now a small scale batch! We started with the base recipe for PM Dawn American Stout, then slightly dialed back the ratio of cold brew Italian Roast from Barrington to allow the heavy dose of Peanut Butter to find it's perfect place in the flavor profile and balance the beer."


Poured out pitch black in all aspects and produced a towering two fingers of frothy, mocha-colored head.

The aroma is a liquid peanut butter cup, but with a big, bitter dark chocolate influence. There's plenty of black coffee too as well as coffee grounds and roasted malts, but hot damn, this is a peanut butter overload. They did not skimp on the PB here.

Much like the aroma, I am getting a lot of bitterness. It's not the coffee, but it is that dark chocolate flavor with help from the roasted malts. The coffee itself, once again, has a strong influence, but this is really all about the peanut butter. My experience with peanut butter stouts is limited, but even I can tell this was legit made with an ungodly amount of PB. I compare it more to a chocolate and peanut butter bar as I am getting a baked or bready feeling to it, maybe like fresh brownies. I will say that, at times, that bitter flavor I get can get to be a little cloying or biting, but the peanut butter helps fight that off.

Mouthfeel is as full as it should be. It is not the most viscous or fluffy stout I've had, but it isn't getting points deducted for the body. The alcohol is non-existent and this would be an ideal dessert beer.

PB PM Dawn added a blast of peanut butter to an already great coffee stout. Again, it had it's bitter, burnt coffee ground moments, but the abundance of peanut butter more than made up for it. It's a decadent dessert stout sure to satisfy the sweet tooth.

Rating
9.2/10

Cape Ann Fisherman's Pumpkin Stout

The Stats
Style: American Stout/Pumpkin Ale
ABV: 7%
Current Ratings...
- Beer Advocate: 3.74/5
- Untappd: 3.58/5
- RateBeer: 3.5/5

"Fisherman’s Pumpkin Stout is a dark stout accentuated by flavors of the Autumn season. Using real pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice, the Cape Ann Brewing Company took a fresh take at the common fall seasonal. This rich dark stout offers an inviting pumpkin spice aroma that gives way to the delicate essence of real pumpkin."

The beer sits absolutely pitch black in the glass with no hints of ruby red or brown anywhere. The pour produced less than a finger of off-white head.

A hot, massive load of nutmeg (don't Google that one at work) bursts from the glass first with cinnamon not far behind. The aroma is incredibly spice-forward and the pumpkin is pretty much lost in the background, but overall, the aroma is inviting.

The pumpkin shows up on the taste and it's actually what sticks around after each swallow. Like the aroma, the nutmeg is reaching superhuman levels of robustness. While the pumpkin has made an appearance on the taste, this is still very much all about the spices. The cinnamon is nowhere near as strong as it was on the aroma, but it is still well-represented on each sip. The base stout contributes a small amount of roasted malt flavor.

Mouthfeel is full, but it's not thick or viscous. However, for 7%, it feels spot on. Aftertastes of pumpkin and nutmeg makes it feel like Fall and no alcohol is to be found.

This was more of a nutmeg stout with pumpkin rather than the other way around. I do think the body was just full enough to make this work. Had it been a thinner, watered down stout, then I don't think it would have been enjoyable. It's overpowering on the spices, but I personally found it to work well.

Rating
8.2/10

Springdale Barrel Room Brigadeiro

The Stats
Style: American Stout
ABV: 7.5%
Current Ratings...
- Beer Advocate: 4.09/5
- RateBeer: N/A
- Untappd: 4.04/5

"Brigadeiro is a breakfast stout brewed w/lactose, cocoa nibs and Brazilian coffee!"

Not much of a description, but whatever. Springdale Barrel Room is the sister brewery to Jack's Abby in Framingham, MA. Jack's Abby exclusively brews lagers, so the Springdale Barrel Room concentrates more on Ales and barrel-aged beers. The brewery is located directly next door to Jack's Abby and has an extensive collection of IPA's, barrel-aged sours, and even a stout or two for good measure. Today, I am trying their "Breakfast Stout", an American Stout brewed with coffee, cacao, and lactose.

Pours pitch black in color with a finger of light brown head.

The aroma isn't just coffee-forward, but one of the richest coffee aromas I've ever experienced. Lactose is noticeable, but not too big and a dark chocolate bitterness has a good bite along with roasted malts.

The coffee on the taste taken on a more deeply, dark-roasted, bitter experience, but it is still just as rich as it was on the aroma. Like the nose, the lactose is here, but it is nearly a ghost. The cacao is pretty much non-existent and this is really just a straight up coffee stout, but a good one at that. Roasted malts are in abundance as is a kick of smoke to make things interesting. That small bit of lactose and the rich, dark coffee make for an iced coffee with cream taste that I am digging so much. It finishes with coffee grounds hanging on the back of the tongue and a bitter aftertaste.

Mouthfeel is full, but not the thickest out there for the style. The body is smooth and there's no alcohol to be found.

Brigadeiro may have been lacking in the cacao, but the resulting coffee stout is ahead of most of the others in the category. It's rich, bitter, and smooth, so there's really not much more you want in the style. I think "Breakfast Stout" might be a bit misleading, but as a standalone coffee stout, it is great.

Rating
8.2/10

Base Camp S'More Stout

The Stats
Style: American Stout
ABV: 7.2%
Current Ratings...
- Beer Advocate: 3.62/5
- RateBeer: 3.5/5
- Untappd: 3.69/5

"To triumph over mountain, wave, wind, or boulder, you need a good Base Camp. Your Base Camp helps you rally your adventurous spirit to conquer the next challenge. Cozy up and take a break from your winter trek with our S’more Stout. The S’more Stout is an absolute all-star: Aromas of chocolate, coffee, fig, and smoke invite you in to a gigantic maltiness that is distinct in its smooth and refined character, with flavors of chocolatey malt and hints of smoke mingling with rich caramel and dark fruit. We recommend topping it with a roasted marshmallow to enjoy the ultimate S’more Stout experience!"

Poured black in color with ruby red on the edges and a hefty, three fingers of khaki-colored head.

The aroma is more coffee-forward than anything. I can't pick up any vanilla or marshmallow (isn't this supposed to be a s'more?), but there is a very small amount of dark fruits, raisins, and plums.

The taste is a typical American Stout. Subtle roasted coffee and a dark malt flavor are the stars here. I do actually pick up a smokey component to this. It isn't Rauchbier smoke, but it is still noticeable. Dark fruits return in a small role with the aforementioned raisins and figs and a tiny bit of chocolate syrup flavor also comes into play. Other than that it isn't going to blow you away as it is pretty standard for the style. I am still flabbergasted over the fact that this is a beer called "S'more Stout" and there is no vanilla or marshmallow.

Mouthfeel has a nice, soft thickness. It feels like a bigger beer than it is. No alcohol presence.

S'more Stout does not represent its name. While it is a perfectly acceptable American Stout, the fact is you can't name a beer "S'more Stout" and not have one of the most important ingredients in a S'more. S'more what? How about s'more (or ANY) marshmallow.  It's a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with no jelly, ham and eggs with no eggs, bologna and cheese with no whipped cream; it just doesn't make sense. Oh, and for the two people out there who just got that last reference, then that's a point for you.

Rating
7.0/10

Castle Island TBD (Aged on Chipotle)

The Stats
Style: American Stout
ABV: 7.2%
Current Ratings...
- Beer Advocate: N/A
- RateBeer: N/A

"Ever since our first batch of TBD (our first batch ever), this hop-forward, roasty, sumptuous stout has enjoyed both a cult-like following and utter confusion over its name and nature. Now it’s back, bigger and bolder than before, and we’re sticking with the name, because you told us we weren’t allowed to change it."

Pours pitch black for the most part, but has some ruby red highlights on the edges with less than a finger of khaki-colored head.

The aroma has nice coffee and an underlying dark chocolate note. The pepper is subtle with pepper skin faintly noticeable in the background.

The taste has a good malt base without being to sweet or cloying. I must say the pepper skin is also quite prominent without bringing too much heat. Interestingly enough, a nice hop bitterness punches through and leaves a residual dank flavor. Not sure if its the bitterness of the hops plus the chipotle, but I'm picking some fresh mint and green tea. There's not too much in terms of a natural coffee or chocolate taste, but the matly, roasted, hoppy base stout is doing just fine here.

Mouthfeel is full-bodied. It doesn't have a lot of those mouth-coating qualities, but it does only clock in at 7.2%. The peppers can leave a tingling sensation if you have a lot in a short amount of time, but it passes quickly. Even those who can't handle even marginally spicy foods (like me), shouldn't have an issue here.

Chipotle TBD was fun to drink. It was a nice twist to put on their standard TBD stout and I'd like to see even more variations in the future. It is a uniquely hoppy stout on its own and the heat from the peppers adds more complexity. The heat isn't unbearable, so if that's what's holding you back from trying this, then there's no need to worry.

Rating
7.9/10

Tree House Double Shot

The Stats
Style: American Stout
ABV: 7.6%
Current Ratings...
- Beer Advocate: 4.6/5 (Top 250: #90)
- RateBeer: 4.12/5


"What’s better than one shot of espresso? Two shots of espresso! Double Shot uses a blend of our very favorite beans to produce a beer that is both bold and luscious.  We experience flavors and aromas of chocolate covered espresso beans, molasses, milk chocolate, and touches of brown sugar.  A pungent & decadent treat, indeed! A rich, sweet, and less roasty base beer contributes the ideal backdrop to this bold and vibrant treat for the coffee and beer lover alike...  A true delight!"

Pitch black on the pour with a hefty two fingers of almond-colored head. 

Cocoa powder dusted over coffee beans on the aroma with some wood and cream.

Mentioning that there is a coffee flavor in this beer would just be a painfully obvious statement, so we can just skip that right now. However, the coffee is so rich and sweet that it is dessert-like rather than something you're used to drinking in the morning. I'm definitely picking up a black licorice or anise which has a sticky component to it. A fluffy milk chocolate kick is on the finish with hints of the aforementioned cream from the aroma. I swear there's a hint of cinnamon in this too which really rounds out the complexity.

Mouthfeel feels thicker than 7.6%, but not quite like an Imperial Stout. That's fine in this case because it's a standard stout, but it still feels bigger than the listed abv. All of the confectionery flavors aren't too cloying and the body is thick enough to coat your entire mouth.

The world is full of coffee beers, but Tree House has made great one. More complex than your run-of-the-mill coffee stout, Double Shot offers you more than just coffee as it hits you with enough decadent flavors to make it an ideal dessert beer. I can't find any photos to confirm this, but apparently Tree House recently bottled Double shot. I have no idea if bottling their beers is going to be a regular thing, but if it's true, then I'm sure people are going apeshit trying to get a bottle of this beer. Well, regardless of what packaging it comes in, Double Shot is a superb coffee stout.

Rating
9.0/10

Samuel Adams Nitro Coffee Stout

The Stats
Style: American Stout
ABV: 5.8%
Current Ratings...
- Beer Advocate: 3.87/5
- RateBeer: 3.69/5 (mean)

As much as Sam Adams co-founder Sam Koch apparently loathes the current craft beer scene, he seems to have tried to appeal to that demographic in recent years. Sam Adams "Rebel" series was an attempt to stray away from the standard Sam Adams lineup and it was met with mixed reviews. In the present day, Sam Adams has begun to experiment with Nitro beers. A nitro offering basically replaces CO2 with nitrogen to give the beer a creamier body. I'm sure most of you have had Guinness on draft, so you know what I mean. There are three beers to the Sam Adams Nitro Project: Nitro IPA, Nitro White Ale, and Nitro Coffee Stout. I think for starters, we will begin with the style that is subject to the nitro process the most: the stout.

Jet black appearance with three fingers of a creamy, slightly off-white head. Oh, and also say hello to the nitro widget in the can...

Tons of roasted malts on the aroma with a nice helping of bitter, dark coffee.

Some nice dark chocolate and black coffee makes this more of a bitter-tasting experience rather than a straight-up coffee stout. Still, a nice mocha flavor is present as is some cocoa powder and even just the slightest hint of cherry and dark fruits. The aftertaste has elements of ice coffee, but I'd say it more like the bottom of a cup of iced coffee after it has sat out and is mixed with the melting ice cubes.

As far as mouthfeel, I mean, obviously the nitro has made this incredibly creamy and smooth. As far as being a standard stout, the body is perfectly full.

Overall, Nitro Coffee Stout is a basic coffee stout and nothing more. The "novelty" of making this a nitro stout did make the mouthfeel pleasant and soft, so I can't argue with the end result. It's by no means a game changer, but is still a smooth coffee stout and exactly what you expect when you buy it.

Rating
7.9/10

Tree House Double Shot Sumatra Mandheling

The Stats
Style: American Stout
ABV: 7.60%
Current Ratings...
- Beer Advocate: 4.54/5
- RateBeer: 4.05/5 (2 ratings)

Tree House's Double Shot coffee stout has gone through numerous variations, each one experimenting with different types of coffee. Tree House's description on their website says that this version promises to be the most intense and potent yet. Now, that's a bold statement.

Pours nearly pitch black with dark brown and ruby red on the edges. Got about a finger of a brownish, cocoa-colored head.

The aroma is not as roasty as other coffee stouts I've had. This is huge on the espresso and bitter, dark coffee with some hints of cocoa powder.

The two biggest flavors I pick up are the aforementioned espresso, but also a significant molasses taste which would explain the sticky feel. Some nice, fluffy milk chocolate adds to the complexity too. Hidden in the back is even some cinnamon. Nothing is really subdued as all the flavors are intense and make your eyes widen.

The mouthfeel is so soft and inviting. Every sip is like a tiny hug. Too much? Ok, but still, it is velvety and fluffy. No alcohol presence at all and this drinks as heavy as an imperial stout. Coffee and molasses are sticking to the roof of my mouth and my tongue as I repeatedly smack my lips.

This version of Double Shot brought more sticky molasses and light milk chocolate, but still retained the super rich gourmet coffee that has become the series' trademark. Tree House is arguably making some of the best (if not THE best) coffee stouts around and this chocolate and cocoa-filled variation makes a divine desert beer after any hearty meal.

Rating
9.0/10

Trillium PM Dawn

The Stats
Style: American Stout
ABV: 9.00%
Current Ratings...
- Beer Advocate: 4.37/5
- RateBeer: 3.83/5 (mean)

An American Stout with cold brewed coffee, PM Dawn may not be a a hip-hop group from the early 90's, but it promises to be rich and decadent. How much further can you take a non-barrel aged coffee stout? Let's find out.

Pours pitch black with less than a finger of a light brown head.

The first thing (and rightfully so) is the coffee. It smells more like a richer, cold-brewed coffee with even some cream. Maybe even a richer, espresso type of coffee, but it smells very nice. Small hints of milk chocolate and roasted malts close everything out.

What sets the taste apart from your run-of-the-mill coffee stouts is a nice pop of vanilla to go along with the espresso qualities. This makes the beer rather sweet compared to a lot of bitter coffee stouts. There is a roasted character to this, but the vanilla and creamer flavors help combat any underlying bitterness that came from the coffee. Call me crazy, but I pick up a small hop bitterness near the end of my sip. It's unexpected, but welcome.

Whether it's the sweet flavors or bitter coffee and hops, this remains a smooth brew. It's thick, but fluffy at the same time and it coats your tongue with delicious coffee. While it is a big 9.00% stout, it drinks lighter than it should, but is still thick and robust.

If not for a stronger-than-most vanilla quality, PM Dawn would just be a typical coffee stout. Even as a standard representation of the style, the coffee is rich, dark, and robust with a light, fluffy and coating mouthfeel.

Rating
8.8/10

Tree House Double Shot - Finca El Puente Honduras

The Stats
Style: American Stout
ABV: 7.60%
Current Beer Advocate Rating: 4.41/5

Back to Tree House we go for a look at a variation on their Double Shot coffee stout. Today I have Double Shot with Finca El Puente Honduras coffee coming in at 7.60%. I've had the standard Double Shot and other variations, but only in small samples, so this is my first full offering all to myself.

As you can see above, this beer is pitch black with dark brown on the edges. It gave off a rich, creamy, frothy, mocha-colored head.

This could be the most coffee-forward coffee stout I've ever smelled. Big espresso notes with subtle chocolate. Behind that is roasted malts with almost a wood finish and a faint vanilla presence. Basically a fresh cup of coffee with cream. The more common stout characteristics are there, but they are taking a backseat to the pungent coffee.

Usually a coffee stout would leave some room for typical stout flavors, but this just assaults you with coffee, coffee, coffee. When consumed cold, it's reminiscent of iced coffee, but as it warms up you get rich coffee grounds and bitter espresso. There's almost a nutty flavor like a brown ale and I do detect a hop presence on the finish. Double Shot is fluffy on the tongue and despite it's coffee bitterness, it drink much lighter than a 7.60% stout - I just killed my 750ml growler in under an hour.

Double Shot Finca El Puente Honduras is a fresh cup of coffee disguised as a stout. It's without question has one of the most in-your-face coffee flavors and aromas of any coffee stout I've ever had. While the coffee dominates so mich to take away from any classic roasted malt characters, this is a robust, flavorful stout and an excellent variation on an already great beer.

Rating
9.2/10

Wormtown Norm

The Stats
Style: American Stout
ABV: 6.80%
Current Beer Advocate Rating: 4.22/5

Back in 2012, Wormtown Brewing  brewed and named a coconut stout after Boston beer blogger and author Norman Miller. "Norm" is an Oatmeal Stout brewed with cocoa nibs, 10 specialty malts, and a pound of toasted coconut per gallon.

Funny sidetrack story if I may. I first met Norman Miller back in June at Nigh Shift Brewing where he was signing copies of his latest book (which you can get here). I didn't put two and two together that he was Norm from "Norm". Then last month when my friend Ryan and I were on a visit to Jack's Abby for the Coco-Nut Framinghammer release, Norman Miller walked in and picked up his beers. Also at Jack's Abby was a copy of Norman Miller's book. I told Ryan that was Norman Miller, the author of that book. He then said he looked an awful lot like the guy on the bottle of Wormtown's Norm. Then we looked at each other in shock as we had the same exact epiphany at that exact moment. Yeah, nothing gets past us. Ok, onto the beer!

Pours pitch black like any good stout. I had to let the 3-4 finger, khaki head settle before I could fill up the rest of my glass.

This is the epitome of a "dessert beer". Roasted malts up front followed with a gush of chocolate and coconut. Combined, I also pick up a marshmallow flavor.

Liquid Almond Joy is all I need to say. The coconut and cocoa nibs assault your taste buds in a glorious way. It is incredibly sweet at the front of the tongue with those aforementioned chocolate and coconut flavors. On the finish it is all bitter, roasted malts. All sweet, awesome flavor aside, if I have to criticize anything, it is the semi-thin mouthfeel. Granted this isn't an imperial stout and by definition isn't as heavy, but it does take a small bite out of the body. That being said, it still is super robust and fluffy on the tongue.

No need for dessert because Wormtown Norm will satisfy any sweet tooth. Why more breweries don't try and make coconut stouts is a mystery to me as it has been a winning move in my experiences. All of the flavors promised are heavily present on the aroma and taste and they do not disappoint. If you melted an Almond Joy, I'm sure you'd get the same satisfaction. It's complex, tasty, and drinkable, which makes it a nearly perfect offering. While a slightly thin mouthfeel holds it back from perfection, don't you dare let that deter you from picking this up when available. As far as I know it is a Massachusetts-only release, and a limited release at that. Outside the Commonwealth it will require a trade and even inside it's hard to track down. If you do see it, grab it and hold it tighter than your true love. Pretty deep, right?

Rating
9.4/10