#284 Avery - Mephistopheles' Stout

Mephistopheles is a term used of the Devil or Satan, it is more properly the name of a demon for the Faust legend. Mephistopheles is more man like while Satan has the hooves and horns of a goat.

This beer has an aroma of an aged beer with raisins, and earthiness. There is also a strong malty chocolate aroma with a hint of alcohol. The color is black, without any light passing through. The head is a milk chocolate brown and very thick with good retention.

This beer has a strong malt flavor without any roasted flavor. The malt gives the beer a chocolate flavor with some mild sweetness. There is also an aged beer flavor of raisins that blends well with the sweet chocolate taste. This stout has a pronounced alcohol warmth almost burning which is not surprising for a 16% beer. The mouthfeel is very smooth, creamy, and full. This beer finishes malty sweet.

This is the kind of beer I hoped to find when I started my year of beer. Lots of great flavors blending well together. If this beer was a lower proof I could see enjoying this everyday, but at 16% this is quite strong for an everyday drinker.