Monday, March 05, 2007

Beer Tasting: Hopback Entire Stout


The Beer: Hopback Entire Stout
Style: English Stout
Reviews: Beer Advocate Rate Beer
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Packaging & Date Stamping: 16.9 oz.; "10 10 9" stamp (does this indicate "best by"?)

From where & how stored: Purchased from Total Wine in Dec. '06 and stored at 50F since then

Pricing: $2.99 per bottle

Availability: Year-round

ABV, IBU, and Other Available Stats: 4.5% ABV; advertised as 100% vegan
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Bryan's Notes
The Look:
- off-white, slightly tan loose, fluffy head
- thins quickly, leaving some lacing behind
- deep, dark color

The Aroma:
- burnt roasted malt aroma

The Taste:
- lacking some of the depth of a "big stout"
- but yet a moderate body and mouthfeel
- dry roasted flavor with a bit of hop bitterness
- medium carbonation

The Verdict: A nice drinking beer that doesn't offend, but fails to impress. Just a decent session stout that I wouldn't turn away and could see using for introducing newbies to the world of stouts.

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