Lift Bridge Irish Coffee Stout

Lift Bridge Irish Coffee Stout. Stout brewed with coffee. Brewed and bottled by Lift Bridge Brewing Company, Stillwater, Minnesota. "Irish Tales add to the flavor. They're practically ingredients." Oh, wait, more. "Inspired by the delightful combination of whiskey, sugar, and coffee, however, you don't have to be Irish and it doesn't have to be morning to enjoy this labor of love. Our Imperial Stout was aged in whiskey barrels, then blended with a big milk stout, and finally infused with locally roasted cold-pressed coffee. It's a complex beer meant to be shared with friends over an Irish toast." Maybe I'll get another to share with friends, this one I'm taking on solo, cause that's what I do. Also, this is 8% Alc./vol, and the bottle is 1 pint 9.4 fl. oz., 750 ml.

Full ebony appearance, lovely toasted tan head, looks fantastic, the best looking stout among they three I've had today.

Aroma: subtle wisps of whiskey at first, flavors of vanilla, toast, anise, bourbon. Then cocoa and cream.

Tasting it: Dry, lightly bitter, with the whiskey coming in quick and in full force. Blending an imperial stout, with a milk stout, great idea, actually. Sweetness comes in and dries out in a snap. Cream stout is in front now, roasted malt rises up, a thickness, a brilliantly dry, bitter end.

Balance is key, here. None of these essential ingredients dominate. It's overpoweringly coffee, or incredibly whiskey. But it's smooth, smooth and tasty. In the end, a subtle sweetness and mellow whiskey in on top. Very satisfying, very delicious. Another unique and impressive creation from Lift Bridge.