22 oz Bomber with the distinctive Lagunitas label.

Dark brown rather than black pour and plenty of red highlights. Small head with not much lacing. A lot of sweetness in the nose.

OK, on to the crucial stuff. This beer is going to sit badly with some people because of the style that this is being categorized as. If you open this, drink it and score it as a RIS, you are going to be disappointed and critical. However, if you take it for what it is (rather than the somewhat arbitrary category that it is placed into) then you will probably enjoy it.

Mouthfeel is very light, but not thin, and this feature enhances the drinkability. Alcohol is very well hidden and the tastes are very chocolate based. Nice, tasty and drinkable. Low hop profile, a lack of bitterness which was a nice change. Almost light enough to be considered a Porter rather than a Stout, which is very odd for a beer that is categorized as a RI stout.

Let’s be clear – if you are wanting a heavy, deep, big, big kicking RIS this is NOT it. BUT, if you want a tasty, drinkable, lighter balanced stout then you’ll enjoy this, I did.