Vintage Irish Stout

◎ Appearance

Deep brown to black with an opaque body that reveals no light. The nitrogen pour produces a tight, cream-coloured head with excellent retention and a fine, persistent collar around the glass. Carbonation is deliberately low, contributing to the smooth, almost velvety visual presentation characteristic of the style.

◌ Aroma

Dark roasted malts dominate, opening with espresso and cocoa powder notes followed by a subtle burnt-crust character. Beneath lies a gentle breadiness from the Maris Otter and flaked barley base. English hops contribute a faint earthy undertone that doesn't compete with the roasted profile.

◐ Taste

The palate enters lean and dry with a pronounced roasted bitterness that frames rather than overwhelms. Mid-palate shows coffee and dark chocolate complexity against the porridge-like malt backbone, while the thin body and low carbonation allow clean flavour articulation. Bitterness remains restrained and integrated, finishing roasty without harshness.

◑ Finish

The finish is short to medium, decisively dry and roasty with lingering cocoa and burnt-toast notes. No sweetness lingers; the aftertaste remains clean and mineralic, fading gracefully into a dry bitterness.