190. Dark Horse Too Cream Stout

This is our third beer from Dark Horse Brewery (last two were One Oatmeal Stout and Crooked Tree IPA); we had this on tap at Trolley Stop after the January beer tasting. Got to watch Casey MC the event and heckle those people who voted against his wishes, which was of course quite delightful. The line-up for the evening included Bruery Orchard White, Old Speckled Hen, Chatoe Rogue Dirtoir, Flying Dog Raging Bitch, Bell’s Hop Slam, Jolly Pumpkin La Roja, Heavy Seas Below Decks, Alesmith Old Numbskull, and Founder’s Breakfast Stout. Since we had Dirtoir last week, it was funny to see them run it as a black lager in the third spot, since it was a bit heavier than expected—after sorting through it some more, I’m guessing it is more of a Baltic Porter than a black lager—hell, even still calling it stout light still fits better than the black lager label. We both voted for Hop Slam, but Founder’s Breakfast Stout won. So at least nothing lame snuck by and stole victory from Hop Slam...

Too Cream Stout has a burnt malt nose with an inky black color (well, it was dark, and we had also already sampled a boat load of beers, so sue me) and a minimal tan head. It starts roasty with some sweetness with chocolate and coffee flavors before moving into a crisp malty middle and finishing with more roasted malt flavors and some lingering burnt notes. The mouthfeel is smooth, clean, creamy, and medium-bodied. Well-balanced overall, Too Cream Stout has rich roastiness that is also balanced with the lighter elements of the beer along with a good amount of creaminess. Most certainly a delicious and very drinkable beer, one worthy of future drinking and indulgences.

From the Dark Horse website: “Number Two - This beer is made with milk sugar (lactose) which gives this beer a nice creamy mouth feel which mingles with hints of chocolate and roasty flavors.”

(1/6/2010)