Black House is an Oatmeal Stout brewed by Modern Times Beer, and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in a nonic pint glass from a can.
Appearance
The stout pours nearly black with a hint of ruby gleaming at the edges. A tall stack of tan foam caps the pour and recedes slowly. Ample lace clings to the glass.
Aroma
A pleasant aroma of coffee roast wafts the nose and is backed by a hint of sweet vanilla.
Flavor
A pair of coffee varietals from Ethiopia and Indonesia lend a lovely taste of espresso. The palate is supported by a base of semisweet dark chocolate and finishes dryly with a mild bite of spicy hops; melting to a creamy chocolatey sweetness.
Mouthfeel
Eight varietals of malt are used but the body still seems like it could use a bit more heft to support the palate. If nothing else, all that malt does give the stout a smooth and creamy feel.
Overall
The body of the Black House stout is a bit thin for the style, but this otherwise one tasty brew. And if you’re a lover of coffee beers, you should definitely give this stout a try.
About this Beer
The brewers at Modern Times jumped a number of hurdles and worked through several obstacles in crafting this coffee-flavored stout. Read about their journey here.