Highland Brewing Black Watch Double Chocolate Milk Stout
Black Watch Double Milk Chocolate Milk Stout is the second release from Highland Brewing’s new Warrior Series. This big (8% ABV) milk stout follows on the heals of a rather tasty double IPA the company released back in July of this year. Much like that wonderfully hoppy brew, Black Watch delivers an array of flavors with a deceptive drinkable nature.
Brewed with more than 100 pounds of cocoa nibs and five malts, this beer packs in the chocolate and roasty, toasty goodness. The result is a beer that reminds of enjoying a glass of cold milk and licking brownie batter off of your mom’s Mixmaster attachment. It’s an uncanny trait that I found delectable after a late meal this past November.
Appearance
The beer pours opaque black in color with a dense cap of brown foam. It certainly looks the part.
Aroma
As stated above, Black Watch gives off an aroma true to the combination of milk and homemade brownies. Earthy cocoa, lactose and a distant roast all come into play, as well. The smell of this beer made my stomach growl.
Taste
This is an ideal desert beer! Earthy cocoa, brownie batter, distant dark chocolate, a drying coffee character, milk and marshmallows!? The promo sheet mentioned that trait, but I blew it off as marketing, but I’ll be damned if there isn’t a twinge of toasted marshmallows in the background. The beer is full bodied, finishing with a light warmth and light dryness on the backend.
Overall
Black Watch is a rich beer without becoming decadent due to the light earthiness that persists from start to finish. I really liked this brew — it was like washing down brownie batter with a glass of milk. After MacAlpin Double IPA and now Black Watch, Highland Brewing are off to an impressive start with their Warrior Series. These two are going to be tough to top.
Rating: 4.25/5
This is a review of a promotional sample.
