Mad Brewers Noir Stout (Malt Shovel/james Squire)
This seems to have either been out for a while (sitting t my local bottle-o), has come back because of demand, or LIMITED EDITION means nothing…!
Regardless, this Imperial Stout is really damn nice.
They talk about liquorice in its description on [1] the website , and yes, it is there! If you like liquorice you will love this. It is noticable! First sniff and sip…I wondered..2nd sip…no more doubts, it was there!
I really like liquorice though. Whether its a sweet, in snus or drink…So Im bias…
In general I think the liquorice taste opens up the sometimes cloying depth of the stoutness , and thats what makes this one really nice.
From the site:
Liquorice added to the kettle of a superb black stout adds a rich complexity to the satisfying hoppy finish. The Mad Brewers settled on liquorice as the unique ingredient to create that mysterious flavour enhancement. As one tastes Noir Stout, the various malts drive the black roasted barley/wheat flavours, but it is the liquorice that smooths out the rich finish.
And I agree. Its like $9 a longneck, but its worth paying the extra and getting this if possible, rather than the Coopers Extra Best – or whatever your sessional stout is, at least ONCE!
