Bit of any odd beast this one, but enjoyable nonetheless. Lots of red highlights in the pour makes this a very “non-stout” looking stout. In fact its look is hardly up to Porter standards, to me it resembles more of a Brown Ale. Head is very small too and there is very little lacing. No evidence of a solid head that I would like to see in the style.

Carbonation is also a little high. This is a sweet malty beer, especially in the long finish and there is plenty of chocolate in there too. These facets are present in both the aroma and in the taste. Lack of real hop bitterness coming through, again takes it a little out of style.

Light, easy drinking and rather nice, but not a classically moulded stout. Sort of stradles the gap between Porter, Stout and Brown Ale, with the emphasis on the Brown Ale. having said that I still enjoyed drinking it.