Trillium Secret Stairs
What the brewers say
“Secret Stairs is our signature Boston Stout. Bold and balanced; satisfying with a substantial body, but not syrupy or sweet. Roasted malt provides a nutty, earthy backdrop to bitter cocoa and little hints of caramel. Smooth mouthfeel with a drying sensation on the finish.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Notes of milk chocolate with some lactose sweetness hit up front and carry throughout the aroma. Some roast sits behind the sweetness. Also some bittersweet chocolate and caramel, with some roastiness and light coffee spiciness. Some hints of raisin and prunes peek through, along with some earthy hops and a touch of pine.”
Flavor: “The taste begins with a cream-like sweetness that carries with it some malt. There is also some aggressive chocolate, coffee, and burnt roastiness, which transitions into some chocolate and coffee notes and is supported by the malt sweetness. Some plum, raisin, and dark fruit esters become more apparent as it warms, along with some oatmeal. Finishes dry, with mild coffee astringency and hops bitterness.”
Overall: “This is a good stout with some moderately strong hops bitterness and a bit of sweet malt and caramel to balance. The aroma is a bit on the simple side, but this is rather drinkable. There was a nice balance among the sweetness, roast, and body. The flavor lacks the smooth, silky lacto that was in the aroma. Overall, the beer is like a winter evening by the fireplace.”
