Left Hand Bittersweet Nitro
What the brewers say
“Our big, aggressive bittersweet stout. The coffee’s dark cherry flavors and spicy undertones weave into the rich, imperial milk stout like a chocolate-covered espresso bean melting on your tongue.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Earthy and blueberry esters from the coffee along with a touch of the vegetal common in coffee beers. Mostly roast coffee with some black pepper notes mixed in.”
Flavor: “Chocolate, licorice, and dark fruit. The coffee adds a nice dry, roasted background, and the vegetal note from the aroma isn’t as pronounced. Finish has a milk-chocolate sweetness.”
Overall: “Rich, sweet, and almost chewy on the finish with lingering flavors of chocolate, dried cherries, and licorice. The roast, hops bitterness, and alcohol provide a dry spicy character to the finish that keeps it from being overly sweet.”