Great Lakes Blackout Stout (365 Day 6)

By scot in 365 Days of American Craft Beer on Tuesday, December 7th, 2010

It is never easy when you receive a phone call at work with bad news. The news I received was that my parents house had been broken into, stuff was stolen, they left a huge mess, but neither of my parents were hurt. My Dad specifically asked if we, my wife and I, would mind coming out. That type of event leaves you feeling vulnerable and scared. I made arrangements to leave work and go help. Probably one of the smarter things I have done because my parents were really grateful for the help, but, I really think it was the company.

When we got home, a little late, I knew that I had to keep up my end of the 365 beers in 365 days bargain. I knew exactly what would be satisfying after a rough afternoon/evening: Blackout Stout by Great Lakes Brewing Company.

I have had the beer before and Shawn, one of the guys in tnbc, recently, for the second year in a row, attended the BA release of Blackout Stout in Ohio. Why do I bring this all up? Shawn was kind enough to get me a bottle, so I am sure that will be part of the next 359 beers. 🙂

Blackout Stout is all what you expect in a Russian Imperial Stout: big, bold, and beautiful. The aroma gets you going with chocolate and roasted malt with it continuing on the taste buds, lingering in the back of throat. If I had one complaint, it would that it had a bit too much carbonation for me. I like my big stouts to be almost flat, if not so. I want the profile of the beer to come through without any bias. Enjoy!

Aroma: 9, Taste: 9, Look: 10, Drinkability: 9, Overall: 9.2