Highland Brewing Black Mocha Stout
What the brewers say
One of the first beers in Highland’s 25-year history. It is rich and malty with bold roasted chocolate and cof-fee notes from roasted barley.
What our panel thought
Hops aromatics of pine, light green peppery spice, and dankness mingle with a distinct roast malt profile. The roasted malt is pronounced in the flavor with hints of chocolate and a tannic-like huskiness that seems to dry the beer out a bit. That and some distinct pine-forward hops notes create a fairly bitter finish.
What our editors thought
Light coffee in the nose feels more accessible than foreboding, with mild chocolate. Flavor-wise, it’s clean and straightforward with no pieces out of place—pleasantly light and drinkable.