Kirkstall Extra Stout

◎ Appearance

Deep garnet-brown with an opaque body characteristic of the style. A dense, persistent head forms with fine carbonation and builds substantial lacing down the glass. The color suggests careful kilning of the base malts.

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with biscuit and toasted grain notes from the malt bill, layered beneath subtle cinder-toffee sweetness. Challenger hops contribute a restrained herbal and earthy backbone without overwhelming the malt-forward character. No obvious yeast esters dominate; the aroma sits squarely in the early 20th-century malt tradition.

◐ Taste

Entry is smooth and slightly sweet, with biscuit and subtle caramel from the carefully balanced Malz. Challenger hops provide a measured bitterness and dry grip mid-palate that prevents cloying. The 35 IBU sits well within the stout tradition, offering structure rather than aggression, allowing the toasted malt character to remain the focal point.

◑ Finish

The finish is dry and lingering, with a gentle toffee note fading into subtle hoppy earthiness. Alcohol warmth is barely perceptible at 5%, leaving a clean, refreshing close for the style.