JW Lees Stout

◎ Appearance

Opaque dark brown body with minimal light transmission, characteristic of a traditional stout. A frothy, persistent head forms on pour and clings to the glass with visible lacing as the beer is consumed. The carbonation is moderate, supporting a creamy visual character throughout.

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with pronounced roasted grain and dark chocolate, grounded in the malt bill of roasted barley and chocolate malt. A subtle hoppy edge emerges beneath, courtesy of Goldings, adding herbal complexity without dominating. The overall impression is balanced between toasted malt depth and restrained noble hop character.

◐ Taste

Entry is smooth and velvety, driven by malted oats that coat the palate with creamy texture. The mid-palate develops layers of cocoa and chocolate over deep-roasted malt notes, with subtle coffee undertones adding complexity. Bitterness arrives measured and bittersweet, finishing dry without the astringency typical of higher-IBU stouts.

◑ Finish

The finish is bittersweet and relatively clean, with roasted malt lingering gently on the palate. Aftertaste fades to a dry cocoa note without harshness, leaving a pleasant drying sensation.