Saturday, November 6, 2010

Beer Review: NOLA Brewing Irish Channel Stout



NOLA Brewing released their Irish Channel Stout this past Tuesday and I was lucky enough to try it on cask this Friday night at Avenue Pub. I must say I think NOLA has another hit on their hands with this one. Not sure what their plans are in terms of keeping this a seasonal or year round offering but as a seasonal this one is solid. I think a stout in the heat of a New Orleans summer would be a slow seller but that's just my opinion. Anyways, get out there and drink this one New Orleans!

PS I have it on good authority that the Red Ale that will be making an appearance around Mardi Gras will be called Flambeaux Red.

Here is my review of the Irish Channel Stout:

Brewery: NOLA Brewing Company

Beer: Irish Channel Stout

Style: Dry Stout

ABV: 6.8%

Louisiana Availability: Yes, seasonal.

Appearance: The beer pours a dark black with a huge, foamy tan head. Lacing was present throughout. NOTE: I noticed this by looking at others beers since the beer I tasted was in a mug from the Mug Club at Avenue Pub.

Smell: Incredible hints of coffee, bittersweet chocolate and roasted malts.

Taste: Bittersweet chocolate is the most evident flavor in this brew but there are also hints of coffee. A very nice dry stout with a nice bitterness from the hops as well which creates a subtle complexity that lures you in for another taste. Be careful because this bad boy comes in at 6.8% alcohol.

Mouthfeel: Despite being a stout it's actually more medium bodied with little carbonation(which could be a result of being on cask)

Overall: Could this be one of NOLA Brewing's best beers? Very close. I'm still partial to Hopitoulas but NOLA has a true winner on their hands with this one. Good job guys and gal.

Score:
Photobucket 4.5 out of 5 Buddhas


Cheers!

The Beer Buddha

2 comments:

Tanya said...

Great! I'm excited to try it. I hope there's some left by the time I get to Avenue Pub sometime this week. Hmmm, but probably not. Wish I could've gone last night.

Nora said...

OK, dude, here's my beer blog:

http://nolabeerbitch.blogspot.com/2010/11/bitching-about-beer.html