Review – Southern Tier Mokah

From Southern Tier Brewing Co. – When empirical and creative impulses collide, the result is often timeless. The classic utility-art aesthetic of the coffee maker is an example of design and engineering working in concert. It is through similar cooperation that the simple bitter cocoa bean is transformed into a sweet treat. As scientists, our brewers utilize their materials to exacting standards. As artists, they couldn’t resist the temptation to combine two of our highly acclaimed Blackwater Series Imperial Stouts: Jahva and Choklat. Alone each is perfect, but together as Mokah they are an inimitable expression of two of the world’s most sought after flavors. Enjoy Mokah stout with – or as – your favorite dessert!

Southern Tier Brewing Co. – Mokah – Purchased from Dawson’s Liquors in Severna Park, MD. Poured, slightly chilled, into a tulip glass. 11% abv.

Appearance: Darkest brown with light shining through only at the top with a light overhead. 1/2″ khaki head with tiny bubbles that dissipates quickly.

Aroma: Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate, coffee. In that order. There are also notes of vanilla and toffee, but the chocolate dominates.

Taste: Mocha latte on the tongue, giving way to dark, bitter chocolate on the finish. I let the bottle sit open on the counter between glasses, so the first glass was a bit colder than the second. It was also more bitter and the sweetness didn’t linger as long. Personally, I prefer it a bit warmer than the recommended 48°, but I’ve got a sweet tooth.

Mouthfeel: This depends on the temperature. The warmer it gets, the thicker it gets, although at its coldest it will still be considerably richer than most non-Imperial stouts.

Overall: Southern Tier has hit another home-run with this beer. It can be paired with hearty dishes or served as a dessert beer.