Lion Stout

Brewed by Lion Brewery (Sri Lanka)
Style: Foreign Stout
Biyagama, Sri Lanka

Serve in Snifter, Tulip

Well, this is interesting - a strong Ceylon stout, and recommended by beer maven Michael Jackson (according to the label). Whoa - it kicks up a big, khaki-colored head. Average label. Solid aroma of coffee grounds, sweet malt, and grains. Soft and smooth on the palate. Sweet mocha flavor dominates, but this is still well-balanced, and has a mild aftertaste. It is lightly hopped, and the high alcohol is not obvious. One usually does not think of the word "refreshing" to describe a strong, sweet stout, but this stuff is a little different from the norm. At around $10 (US) for a 6-pack, the price is right, too.

Bottled. Black opaque colour, big brown foamy head, lacing. Roasted malt and coffee along with hints of raisins in aroma. Roasted malt, coffee and a bit soapish hints in flavour. Sticky palate and sweetish aftertaste. Nice overall for a stout.

Black with a big creamy grey head. Sweet aroma of coffee, roasted malts and dark chocolate. The flavours are initially sweet, and then it gets a bit roasted before it finishes like café latte with a bit of bitterness. Very nice!

Dark body with a creamy head, much like espresso. A smoke flavor is dominant as well as a hint of something sweet. I was pleased with this bottle.

UPDATED: JUN 5, 2008 Bottle, courtesy blankboy. Pours a pitch black color,with a medium-sized tan head, and big sheets of lacing. Eggy aromas, with caramel, chocolate and marshmallow. Roasted nuts in the flavor, malty body, egg, caramel, slight milk chocolate. Thin-bodied, very smooth and creamy. Bitter finished, and well balanced overall. Enjoyed it.

Very dark brown with medium tan head that goes away quickly. Smells of coffee and smoked wood, tastes sweetly malted with a touch of smoke. Nicely balanced with a mild bittersweet aftertaste.

Poured into a nonic. A couple shades lighter than black with a monstrous 3 finger cascading head that puts Guinness to shame. Tons of webbed lacing and impressive retention. Aroma is cakey and sweet, with a soft cocoa powder character. The roastiness is subdued. Flavor starts out with a surprising overripe melon sweetness, but then melds into more classic stout notes of cocoa powder and a roasted finish. This beer is a little too carbonated but it’s nothing major. Finish is semidry, body is a little heavier than medium. Alcohol’s only contribution is a little nip at the end of the sip.

Pours opaque with dark, small head. Very thick malt flavor, very heavy roast flavor. Finishes clean with taste, not watery. Overall very good beer, very good stout