In a blind tasting by BJCP trained experts, this beer rated
96
Avery Brewing Company Mephistopheles Stout
Aroma: “Moderately strong tobacco aroma. Rye crackers with anise. Big alcohol. This is a weirdly mysterious aroma. Some of the expected combination of roast / chocolate / coffee but doesn't entirely offset the odd dusky aromas of Moroccan cedar wood.”
Flavor: “Thick roast coffee syrup poured over graham crackers. Fresh (unlit) tobacco here, too. Great malt complexity with toffee, toast, and chocolate and a big cherry ester. Sweet but not cloying. Alcohol is very warming, washing over the flavor letting the roast remain to the bitter end. There’s a cool spicy phenol that melds well with the alcohol warmth.”
Overall: “Chocolate-covered vodka-soaked cherries—in a good way! I would pair this with a nice Asian meal since the forward alcohol would pair with the strong spices. A sipping beer for sure.”