Beer Review: Terrapin Depth Charge Espresso Milk Stout

Every once in a while a beer comes along that truly blows my mind. Let's be honest though, when it comes to beer blowing my mind really isn't all that hard. Recently though I was lucky enough to pick up a bottle of the Terrapin/Left Hand Brewing collaboration brew called Depth Charge. It is an espresso milk stout using Jittering Joe's espresso.

Now anyone who knows me knows that I hate coffee. I have this weird quirk that makes me not like hot liquids. I'm talking coffee, soup, hot chocolate, etc. I'm not sure when I developed this quirk but it's there. I hate hot liquids. So the taste of coffee doesn't really bother me but the temperature does. And no I don't drink iced coffee either. That's just..well, we'll just leave it at that.

I've reviewed a coffee beer once before with the Peche Mortel from Brasserie Dieu du Ciel in Montreal, Quebec and it got 4.5 Buddhas but this Depth Charge seriously made me rethink the whole coffee thing. Just for a second though. Actually I think I found my "instead of coffee" beverage of choice for after dinner!! Too bad it's a limited release. Anyways, on to the review:

Brewery: Terrapin Brewing Company

Beer: Depth Charge Espresso Milk Stout

Style: Milk Stout/Sweet Stout

Recommended Glassware: Pint Glass

Appearance: This beer poured a dark brown, blackish color with a tan head. Lacing present throughout.

Smell: Espresso. Espresso. Espresso. And chocolate.

Taste: WOW. Amazing. Tastes like espresso and chocolate but not in an offensive way like many coffee beers can be. Perhaps the lactose helps balance it out properly.

Mouthfeel: Very smooth beer. Not as heavy as one would imagine. Carbonation is minimal.

Overall: I hate coffee but this beer blew my mind. THIS is the perfect after dinner beer. I only wish I had purchased more. Oh well.

Score: 5 out of 5 Buddhas

Beer Review: Brasserie Dieu du Ciel Peche Mortel

Peche Mortel, which translates to "Mortal Sin", is brewed by the Brasserie Dieu du Ciel in Montreal, Quebec. This beer is brewed using fair trade coffee which is "infused during the brewing process". For those that don't know what "fair trade" is, Wikipedia describes it as:

"an organized social movement and market-based approach to empowering developing country producers and promoting sustainability. The movement advocates the payment of a fair price as well as social and environmental standards in areas related to the production of a wide variety of goods"

So, once again, drinking a beer means doing something good for the world. You gotta love it. We can tell those Southern Baptist preachers ,who are saying we are sinning when we drink our devils brew, that at least we are doing something to support those in need!! Anyways, on with the review!!

Brewery: Brasserie Dieu du Ciel

Beer: Peche Mortel

Style: American Double/Imperial Stout

ABV: 9.50%

Recommended Glassware: Pint Glass, Snifter, Oversized Wine Glass

Serving Type: Chalice

Appearance- This beer poured a oily black with a cafe au lait colored head which was present for the life of the beer. Nice lacing rings present after each sip.

Smell- COFFEE. The coffee aroma dominated but there were slight hints of chocolate.

Taste- Again with the coffee. More pronounced as an espresso style coffee with subtle hints of chocolate and perhaps raisins and toffee. Had a nice smokey flavor as well.

Mouthfeel- Thick and creamy. Little to no carbonation.

Overall- A great brew that is well suited as an after dinner beer. I don't like coffee but I couldn't let that cloud my judgement of this beer. Overall this beer was fantastic but something I wouldn't drink again because of my personal dislike of coffee.

Score: 4.5 out of 5 Buddhas