Lots and lots of changes over the past couple of years, for obvious reasons. And some less obvious but normal ones, like businesses closing, downsizing or coworkers taking off for greener pastures. So, there are people I have not seen for quite some time, until one of us decides to take some initiative. Initiative was taken last weekend, although my part was only choosing the place. Heading down to Be Hoppy would be a two-birds-with-one-stone kind of deal, since we can have a beer there, and I can pick up some other beers to take home for another day. Taps were mostly lighter beers, ales and wheat, but there was a very nice looking stout: The Kernel Imperial Brown Stout. No quirky label, no eccentric name, just an honest, hard/working stout for your pleasure. Well, my pleasure.
It has the right aroma for sure, tangy dark chocolate and foresty fruit. The head is very thick and resistant, sort of a dark sandy color, and the beer is not quite black, but chocolate brown enough for me. There isn't much chocolate in the taste, or fruit either, it's a strong bitter beer, punching through with rough toasty flavors rather than smooth sweetness. While a surprise, it's not an unacceptable way for stout to come out. Eventually a little dark chocolate starts creeping out, balancing the bitterness somewhat. It's a pretty classic stout, with a lot of body to it and strong but clean flavors. It might not be real fall yet, but it's getting there, and a beer dark enough for a good Hallowe'en party is a step in the right direction.
Price: €6.25
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