Free State Tazza Nera Stout

Formerly brewed at Free State Brewing Company
Style: Stout
Lawrence, Kansas USA

Serve in English pint, Shaker, Snifter

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I didn’t know the etymology of Tazza Nera when I took my notes...but I noted that the coffee flavors are clearly here. Buttery flavors, too. Caramel head, more of a pitch black body than the Oatmeal Stout, with only bits of brown around the edges. Dusty aroma. My wife preferred this to the Oatmeal, but I don’t agree. Still tasty, partly because I like coffee stouts.

Not really to my taste, but respectable nonetheless. Like a shot of expresso (see if you can find the joke). The coffee flavors just flat out overbear the beer flavors, which is ok if that’s what you’re into. I like coffee, but... I think I’d have this again but only once in great while.

I liked the brew at first but why would you blend coffee with beer? I’m not going to rehash the previous rating, just keep the whole depressant/caffeine paradox in mind.

Somewhat light aroma, what is there is lightly roasty coffee and malt. Dark brown-black appearance, with a light but persistent head. Flavor is very coffeeish, with some lightly fruity hops (citrus? this doesn’t sound like it would work, but it’s really an okay blend) and highly roasted malt. Dry, grainy finish. Body is on the light side of medium, mouthfeel is a bit thin as this beer has a more watery consistency than most stouts. Tasty but overall a bit light. Interesting piney-coffee aftertaste.