Black Hart - Our first beer review!

Mugsy & Jugsy’s first beer up for review… {drum-roll, please}

Black Hart – Irish Style Dry Stout

Brewed by North Coast Brewing Company

12 fl oz. bottle – 5.5% ABV

Served in a Pint Glass

Mugsy, who is by far, the more discerning beer enthusiast is open to trying anything. He actually likes stouts! Jugsy, on the other hand, has a strong preference for certain types of beer – stouts not generally among them. But when faced with the taunting question: “Are you afraid of the Dark?” She knew she had no other choice but to face the challenge head-on.

In every proper review, we will examine the Appearance, Aroma, Taste, Mouth-Feel, Drinkability and Overall Rating of the Beer and arrive at a Total Score from 1 to 10.

Black Hart – Irish Style Dry Stout

APPEARANCE:

Mugsy: Extremely dark, brown to black with slight reddish tint, medium dark cola-ish head; head dissipates, but not overly rapidly.

Jugsy: Small head, very dark in color, almost black even when held up to the light; leaves a delicate lacing on the glass, head evaporates quickly.

AROMA:

Mugsy: Roasted malt, with big toffee taste and slight coffee undertones.

Jugsy: Funky, burnt malt, sour smell of yeast, slightly reminiscent of sour milk/cheese, sourdough, hint of coffee grounds.

TASTE:

Mugsy: Roasted malt, slight smokiness detected, big toffee taste that stays long after drinking; hint of caramel aftertaste; very slight coffee ground aftertaste; hint of bittersweet chocolate.

Jugsy: Strong chocolate flavors; bitter, with creamy roasted malt; light coffee aftertaste; simple flavors, not a complex palate.

MOUTH-FEEL:

Mugsy: Good amount of carbonation, much more so than a true English / Irish stout; obvious that this is a U.S. brew. Fair bit of bitterness on palate as it goes down; dry, like a stout should be.

Jugsy: Creamy, smooth feel, mild carbonation and a delicate finish.

DRINKABILITY:

Mugsy: Easy to drink, especially for a stout, but wouldn’t drink more than a couple of glasses at a time due to the dryness and bitter-sweetness.

Jugsy: Surprisingly light and refreshing, particularly for such a dark brew – very drinkable.

OVERALL:

Mugsy: A fine beer. I like this better than many English / Irish Stouts. It would pair well with rich foods. I would definitely drink this again, any time!

Jugsy: This is a pleasant stout, refreshing, not heavy – not overbearing – just the thing for those chilly Irish twilights.

SCORE:

Mugsy : 6.95

Jugsy: 6.75