Stone Coffee Milk Stout

From Stone Brewing Co. – There’s no shortage of talented people at Stone, and each makes their presence known in their own unique way. Brian Gallagher, a brewer who learned the art of fermentation in the UK, used the beer you now hold, a New World take on a traditional English milk stout, as his vehicle for personal expression. Originally brewed as a limited edition offering at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station, this coffee-laced milk stout quickly became a favorite among Gallagher’s peers. Made bittersweet and creamy while remaining smooth and easy-drinking thanks to the addition of milk sugar, it’s clear in one sip why this is a brew we needed to share with fans everywhere.

Stone Brewing Co. – Stone Coffee Milk Stout – 12 oz. bottle poured into a goblet. 4.2% abv.

Appearance:  Pours dark brown letting no light through. Head disappears quickly to a small gathering of tan swirls.

Aroma:  Roasted dark malt, french roast coffee

Taste: Roasted dark malt, spicy hops, dark toast, minerals, bitter black coffee finish. Low sweetness.

Mouthfeel:  Thin side if medium bodied, very carbonated.

Overall: An instant classic. Of all the Stone beers I’ve tried over the years and this year in particular, this might be the first time I’ve tried one that didn’t have the distinctive characteristics that I associate with most, if not all of their beers. This is a text book example of a dry stout. Holds its own with other American made dry stouts like Dragoons, Donnybrook, and Old No. 38. EDITOR’S NOTE: I received some fair criticism over mentioning this is a dry stout. It certainly is not a dry stout, it’s a Milk Stout. My mouth however didn’t think it was, and if you read Stone’s description, they call it a New World Take on a traditional Milk Stout.