Barley Island Black Majic Java Stout

12 oz. bottle poured into shaker- poured nontransparent squid ink black, some tan bubbles around the glass for a head, low carbonation. Aroma of cofee, well roasted malt, and dark toffee. Hits the mouth with a high-medium body, coffee taste hits you like a freight train with no brakes right from the starts and lasts well after the finish, a note of cream on the end as it tails off. Out of balance, but sometimes you need that from a beer.

Bottle. Pours pretty darn dark with a respectable tan head. I enjoy the coffee presence in the aroma: solidly roasty, sharp, and well defined. Some ashtray notes and slightly sour cream ar noted as well. The mouthfeel is slightly prickly and of pretty average density. The coffee carries over well into the flavor, distinct, genuine, and sharp. There is a faint creamy sweetness and a touch of mocha and something just a bit sour in the finish. I really enjoy drinking this beer. I can’t say it’s the best coffe stout I’ve ever had, but I can drink a lot of these and have no qualms with it.

This is a palate destroyer, so make sure you rinses thoroughly after trying this one. Pours a dark brown body with a semi watery body. medium sized head with a pleasent lightly roasted coffee aroma. Mouthfeel is semi dry but also very light. Starts off sweet and burnt tasting, and ends with a lingering finish of cocoa.

Smell is coffee - but almost a sour note in the background. Flavor is pale and non-impressive. Just like drinking a weak coffee at Dennys.

Bottle pours black with a tan head. Smells like mocha coffee. Has a silky medium mouthfeel. Taste is coffee, chocolate, some alcohol, and has a nice roasted malt finish. Overall this is a nice brew for the style.