Hobson's Dhustone Stout
I don't drink a lot of stout, not because I don't like it but more because there are not as many varieties of stout around as there are lagers and IPAs. I don't know if I'm going to go out hunting stouts after this, but it's about time I reviewed one.
Details
- Dark stout, 4.3% ABV
- 500ml bottle
From the website:
Dhustone Stout is a smooth, rich dark beer that proudly reflects its Shropshire roots. With subtle liquorice notes and a velvety character, this stout offers a deep, satisfying flavour with local substance. By choosing Dhustone, you’re reducing your drink miles while enjoying a beer with heritage and quality.
Originally brewed as “Shropshire Stout,” Dhustone Stout was inspired by the local legends of a big cat roaming the Shropshire countryside. The name later evolved to Dhustone, referencing the dark “dhu stone” of Titterstone Clee, a carboniferous dolerite found in the area.
Expectations
I've drunk stout before, but not this one. I'm hoping for something smooth with a strong taste.
Experience
It smells good - a slightly sweet, caramel or maybe toffee smell. There is the really thick head I expect from stout, a proper foamy one. The beer is very dark. I shone a bright torch through it, and the feeble light that made it through was a vivid red. The torchlight picked out lots of tiny bubbles too, so there is plenty of fizz in this beer.
The foam is creamy and the beer underneath is really tasty. The taste matches the smell, a slightly sweet, malty toffee caramel something or other. There is some bitterness that hangs around in my mouth but I don't recognise anything like liquorice in it. Possibly a tickle at the back of my mouth, but not much.
Overall the taste of this beer is strong and really nice. I took my time drinking it and enjoyed every drop.
Verdict
5/5 : A strong tasting beer that doesn't remind me of fruit juice. This is the kind of thing I want more of.
