Mrs. Stoutfire

◎ Appearance

Deep brown to near-black color with a SRM of 35, revealing garnet hues when held to light. A dense, creamy head forms and clings to the glass with solid retention. The body appears full and opaque, with modest carbonation evident in gentle rise lines.

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with roasted malt character—dark chocolate and freshly ground coffee dominate the profile. Beneath these anchor notes lie subtle tobacco leaf and licorice suggestions, grounding the aroma in earthy complexity. Huell Melon hops add a whisper of melon-skin character, though the roast takes clear precedence.

◐ Taste

Entry is smooth and slightly sweet from the caramel malt backbone, followed by a mid-palate that unfolds the roasted character: cocoa powder, espresso, and a hint of anise from the licorice notes. The 35 IBU bittering is restrained and measured, providing structure without aggression. Medium body carries these flavors cleanly through to the swallow.

◑ Finish

The finish is medium-length, leaving a dry cocoa powder residue and a gentle tobacco warmth. No harsh alcohol burn at 6.5% ABV; the beer concludes with balanced restraint.