Choc & Orange Stout

◎ Appearance

Deep garnet-brown to near-black in the glass, with excellent clarity and a dense, persistent tan head that clings to the walls with fine lacing. The carbonation is moderate and well-integrated, typical of cask and bottled conditioning. A visually substantial pour that signals the richness to follow.

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with roasted dark chocolate and cocoa powder, grounded in toasted grain and subtle black malt character. Dried orange peel emerges as a bright secondary note, providing a citrus lift that prevents the profile from becoming one-dimensional. Gentle malt sweetness rounds out the composition without perfume or alcohol heat.

◐ Taste

The palate opens with smooth chocolate malt and a velvety mouthfeel courtesy of the flaked oats—this is a defining textural element. Mid-palate reveals cocoa bitterness balanced by a soft orange zest character that brightens the darker notes. Moderate bitterness (35 IBU) sits in the background without dominating; the 6.1% ABV provides body and warmth without alcohol burn.

◑ Finish

The finish is clean and measured, with chocolate and cocoa notes gradually fading into a dry, slightly peppery aftertaste. Orange character persists briefly before giving way to a gentle malt dryness that encourages another sip.