Java Mariana Trench is an American Imperial Stout brewed by Due South Brewing Co., and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in a snifter from a can.

Appearance

The Stout pours an opaque jet black and is topped by a thick cap of tan pock-marked foam that shows good retention. The reduction leaves behind a thin collar and a few patches of residue on the glass.

Aroma

Its aroma mixes mild coffee roast and sweet milk chocolate.

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Flavor

The palate begins with a heavy dose of bready malt that gently bitters with a mild coffee roast flavor. The tasting mellows with sweet chocolate and hints of dark fruit. Just a hint of booze appears on the backend as the beer warms.

Mouthfeel

Its feel has a smooth draw leads to a velvety creamy fullness in the middle. Its full body gives a lot to chew on with low carbonation and a dry finish.

Overall

Presents as well as can be expected of the style. Its feel is rich and creamy. The aroma is pleasant and enticing. Coffee beans complement the Stout flavor nicely and yet the overall bitterness seems a bit mild for the style. Further, it’s hard to believe this brew is nearly a ten percenter. That’s just how well its high ABV is hidden. In fact, this brew is thick and chewy and yet it’s quite easy to tilt back. The Java Mariana Trench is a nice variant of the Mariana Trench but coffee lovers would likely want greater intensity in its coffee roast.