Van Vollenhoven Extra Stout

◎ Appearance

Deep black-brown color with minimal light transmission, characteristic of a Foreign Extra Stout. A dense, creamy tan head settles to a persistent collar with good lacing retention along the glass. Carbonation is moderate, creating fine bubbles that rise steadily through the opaque body.

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with assertive roasted malt and dark chocolate, followed by coffee bean aromas that deepen with aeration. Beneath these roasted notes lie subtle dark fruit esters—plum and raisin—while a gentle, restrained bitterness from noble hops grounds the overall profile without dominating.

◐ Taste

Roasted flavors dominate the palate with notes of bitter chocolate and espresso, supported by a full, rich malt body. The mid-palate is smooth and velvety despite the 57 IBUs, with the bitterness arriving late and lingering dry rather than sharp. Subtle plum and cocoa undertones add complexity without overwhelming the roasted character.

◑ Finish

The finish is long and dry, with roasted and coffee notes persisting for several minutes. Residual sweetness from the rich malt balances the drying bitterness, leaving a warming, slightly astringent aftertaste.