While not to say that Epic is a total stranger to dark beer (they’ve made some extremely good ones over the years) it would be fair to say that it wasn’t exactly the style they’re known for. So it was a surprise to see this one show up (and slickly presented too, I must say). At a diminutive (compared to most Epic beer) 4.8%abv, this really is ‘just’ stout — nothing strong, nothing fancy, just simple and satisfying beer that only good brewing can elevate above the rest.
I’m happy to report that good brewing this most certainly is. The punchy aroma has all the roast and toast that you want from a stout, with rich malt dried and sharpened by burned bread crust and filter coffee. On the palate the malt complexity deepens, joined by a not insubstantial hop character that adds some herbaceous nuance to the satisfying and bitter finish. A simple stout at heart, but simply superb for anyone who appreciates the style. Now I just need to find it on tap, this is beer best enjoyed by the pint, not the glass.