Flying Dog Mint Chocolate Stout
Maryland’s Flying Dog Brewery has a limited run of beers they like to call Brewhouse Rarities. Most of these beers are only available on draft in the mid-Atlantic, but every now and again, the brewery likes to let a few of these rarities escape into the wild.
I’ve only been able to sample two of these elusive beers so far (St. Eadman and Green Tea Imperial Stout). Lucky for me, the company has given me a third opportunity to sample one of the limited releases.
Mint Chocolate Stout is just about as detailed and succinct a description as a beer needs in order to describe its ingredients. At 5.7% ABV (30 IBU), the beer is crafted with the addition of cocoa and peppermint — as well as a “few sprigs of Chocolate Mint for good measure” — that give it a bright and crisp minty character without any sort of cloying sweetness. It’s a tasty little brew that is meant to be enjoyed as a dessert beverage and while I did drink it after dinner, I don’t believe that it’s full enough on the palate to really be called a dessert beer.
Appearance
Pouring a dark, dark brown in color the brew sits with a quickly dropping cap of light tan foam. When held to the light there’s a cola colored edge to the brew.
Aroma
If it weren’t for the light roast, the beer would smell like a York Peppermint Patty. Cocoa, roast malt, mint and a light, earthy character all combine for a welcoming nose.
Taste
Well, for starters, it’s not at all overly minty which is a good thing. The mint mixes smoothly with distant cocoa and an earthy, dry finish. There’s no hint of any alcohol to be round and the sweetness is kept to a minimum. It’s definitely on the thin side when it comes to body, but otherwise quite tasty.
Overall
For a self-proclaimed “dessert beer,” this brew is awfully thin on the palate and that’s all well and good — there are some decent stouts out there that are on the thinner side. When I’m presented with or have purchased a dessert-style beer, however, I want something a little fuller and richer to sip on after my evening meal. The fact that this wasn’t like biting in to a piece of candy and instead presented as a dry stout with a good mint/cocoa combination makes this beer a treat to drink. I just wish it had more oomph in terms of mouthfeel.
Rating: 3.5/5
This is a review of a promotional sample from the brewery.
