8

At the old Santa Rosa brewpub location. For 4% such a lively dark chocolate earthiness. Lovely.

7

I’ve hit a lot of breweries on this West Coast trip. I’d like to think I saved the best for last. And away we go…

6.5

Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 7 | Flavor - 6 | Texture - 6 | Overall - 6

On tap at the brewery. Pours dark brown black. Biscuit, caramel, roast, liquorice, plum. Medium body. Not a great second for my mega flight...

7.4

Appearance - 6 | Aroma - 8 | Flavor - 8 | Texture - 6 | Overall - 7.5

Draft at the brewpub. Aroma of creamy chocolate and coffee. Taste has soft creamy chocolate, mocha coffee and a soft finish. Nice.

7.3

Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 7 | Flavor - 7 | Texture - 6 | Overall - 8

From tap at the brewery. Black color with beige brown head. Roasted malty aroma, bread, grainy, coffee, some chocolate notes. Light sweet and moderate to heavy bitter taste. Medium oily body with soft carbonation.

6.8

Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 7 | Flavor - 7 | Texture - 6 | Overall - 6

Tap at the brewpub. Pours black. Clearly a dry stout, as it is actually dry. Some roasted burnt tones, but not highly distinguished. Bitter, very. Also works, but really not my favourite.

5.8

Appearance - 6 | Aroma - 6 | Flavor - 5 | Texture - 4 | Overall - 7

On tap at the brewery. Pours a cloudy brown with medium frothy beige head that lasts. The aroma is cracker malt, cocoa, roast. Thin mouth, light roast, chocolate, light dry finish, good.

7

Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 7 | Flavor - 7 | Texture - 6 | Overall - 7

Sampler at the brewpub in Santa Rosa. Dry coffee, bitter, some roasted aromas. Taste is similar, on the dry side, a bit chalk and cocoa powder. Low carbonation (hand pump?). It has - like many Stouts - a slightly watery mouthfeel. Still nice though.

7.1

Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 7 | Flavor - 7 | Texture - 8 | Overall - 6.5

On tap @ Russian River. Pours a deep brown / black appearance with a brown head. Fairly roasty nose. A hint of smoke. Light coffee. Flavor is pretty dry, slightly herbal and chalky with some dark chocolate and coffee. Fine.

7.6

Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 7 | Flavor - 8 | Texture - 8 | Overall - 7.5

Draft - Dark roast malts, espresso and chocolate. Jet black with a creamy light brown head. Roast malts and chocolate, with the slightest bitterness that ends quickly. Finish is roasty, great for the ABV.