Stone Xocoveza is an American Imperial Stout brewed by Stone Brewing, and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in a snifter from a bottle.
Appearance
The stout pours jet black and is topped by a finger-thick cap dense brown foam that shows fair retention.
Aroma
The aroma is strong with a scent of sweet cocoa and vanilla. There’s a little spice mixed in as well with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Check Out the Latest News Article
Flavor
The palate begins with sweet cocoa, spiced lightly with cinnamon. The middle is held down by a mild coffee roast, lightly spiced with nutmeg, and sweetened with vanilla. The finish is peppery from pasilla peppers. A touch earthy as well.
Mouthfeel
Its feel is smooth and creamy with a full body and low carbonation. Finishes dryly and a touch warm from the spicy peppers and booze.
Overall
Stone Xocoveza is decadent in its sweetness but balanced wonderfully with coffee, spices, and that delightful kick of pasilla peppers. Combined with a rich and luxurious feel, this Imperial Stout is a real pleasure to drink.
Recommended Pairings
Stone Brewing recommends the following food pairings with their Xocoveza Imperial Stout: appetizers of bacon-wrapped figs, roasted pecans sprinkled with cinnamon, jalapeño poppers, candied salmon, and coconut shrimp; soups of French onion soup, beef stew, pork chili, butternut squash, and clam chowder; mains of chicken mole, coffee-dusted fillet, vegetarian green curry, stuffed poblano chiles, mushroom stroganoff, and lamb chops; Camembert cheese; sweets of cinnamon rolls, pecan pie, chocolate lave cake, tiramisu, and vanilla ice cream float.
Watch the Video
Stone brewmaster Mitch Steele talks about the characteristics of the Xocoveza.
