Beer #129 – May 11, 2010: Lost Coast Eight Ball Stout

Beer: Lost Coast Eight Ball Stout

Brewery: Lost Coast Brewery, Eureka, California

Style: American Stout

Serving Type: 12 oz bottle

Price: $8.99 / six-pack

Availability: Year-round

Glassware: Glass Mug

Strength: 6.3% ABV (alcohol by volume)

Drinkability: A flavorful, though not heavy or overly rich, take on a stout.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Deep walnut, though not quite “eight-ball black” with a big, creamy, tan head

Aroma: Malty, roasted, with a hint of hops

Mouthfeel: Medium body with a slightly creamy moderate carbonation

Taste: Initial caramelized, almost burnt, sugar with a hint of cinnamon leads into a roasted middle with mild notes of cappuccino dusted with cocoa powder, finishing with slightly bitter notes of peanut skin.

Pairing: Buttery, creamy cheeses such as Brie or Gouda contrast nicely with the roasted, bitter flavors of a relatively bitter American Stout like Eight Ball.

Trivia: What makes a stout an “American Stout”?  The invention and creativity of American brewers!  A broad category of stouts, many may think this means a stronger and hoppier take on a British or Irish Stout (which is often the case), but really covers anything from a stout brewed with smoked malt or real chocolate, to a stout aged in whiskey barrels.