Hailstorm Stop, Collaborate & Listen

Aroma of dark chocolate, red fruits—raspberry, dark cherry. Nice breadth of roast flavors—chocolate, dried raspberry, coffee, toffee. Creamy body; finish leans acrid. Tobacco and vanilla notes emerge. Fruity character works with malt-chocolate and barrel-vanilla. Like a strong export stout.

__Aroma:__ “Strong cinnamon at first, and then some chocolate, vanilla, and cayenne. Notes of chile spice, mole spice, and alcohol notes, as well as light roasted malt aromas, dried cherry esters, and other dark fruits. Resinous hops add a touch of light lemon.” __Flavor:__ “Very mole. The cinnamon is big, with lighter cocoa, paired with caramel and chocolate malt. Rich, complex spicy blend of the standard Mexican chocolate players. Moderately strong alcohol contributes complementary spicy notes and warmth—it’s definitely a sipper. Some sweet dark fruits, possibly plums and dates. The carbonation makes the spice pop just enough without being harsh, and the dryness from the roast makes you want another sip.” __Overall:__ “Everything I want in a Mexican chocolate stout. All the pieces fit together, without any rough edges. It’s a nice mix of flavor, with a rich creamy texture and a balanced slightly dry finish. The spices are nicely subdued, and don’t clash with the high alcohol. Dangerously drinkable.”

**Aroma:** “A rich roast malt, with licorice and coffee, and a hoppy backbone. Cherry esters with dark sweet cherry, and perhaps some date and prune notes are present as well. Woody, earthy hops aroma, with tobacco and leather. A hint of sweetness makes this smell like a Tootsie Roll.” **Flavor:** “Big and sweet, like a malted milk ball. Moderate mocha flavor, with a good balance of chocolate and coffee, with a bit of char present. Some dark stone fruit sweetness of dried cherry and chocolate peek through to bring some balance. The hops bitterness is medium and balanced, perhaps a bit stronger than I’d expect. The body is a little thin, with strong alcohol warmth, which lingers on the back of your throat. A bit harsh on the finish.” **Overall:** “Assign your favorite synonym for massive—this is a big, viscous (or vicious?) stout that’s just for sipping. Still, it’s fairly smooth. Starts with a nice complex aroma and flavor, but shifts to being a bit over-roasted, to the point of being burnt. A very tasty beer.”