Troegs Scratch 88- Chocolate Stout

I went to Troegs tasting room to pick up a growler of Scratch 88- Chocolate Stout. The beer pours a black color with a frothy tan colored head that leaves specks of lacing on the glass. The aroma consists of dark Belgian chocolate, toasted malts, milk, lemon, and pine. The taste is very dry with chocolate powder and gristle on the tongue. Plenty of toasted malts arrive as well with some lemon and pine accents. It actually has quite a potent hop bite, but it balances well with the robust chocolate offering. ON the finish, a light hint of vanilla lingers behind. The alcohol content is 7.0% ABV. This beer tasted like biting into a bar of unsweetened chocolate, but was quite delicious. While it may have been a little powdery and gritty, it wasn't
 unbearable like some others I've had.

Pisgah Brewing Nitro Chocolate Stout

Another beer I ordered at Pisgah Brewing in Asheville during my bachelor party was the Nitro Chocolate Stout. The beer pours a black color with a lofty and frothy beige colored head. The aroma consists of chocolate, toasted malts, and vanilla. The taste is bold with chocolate,  a solid toasted malt backbone, caramel, and hints of vanilla, all leading up to a dry finish. The alcohol content is not available online, but I would estimate it to be about 6.5% ABV. This was a well done chocolate stout with rich lacing and a nice balance of dry toasted malts, making it easy to drink and very enjoyable.

Flying Fish Exit 13- Chocolate Stout

I ordered a bottle of Flying Fish Exit 13 Chocolate Stout from Queen Ann Wines & Spirits. The beer pours a deep black color with a frothy tan head that dissipates rather rapidly. The aroma consists of dark chocolate and espresso and a hint of vanilla. The taste is smooth and perfectly sweet with chocolate and toasted malts, perfectly smoked for this beer. The finish has a bit of vanilla sweetness and a coffee after taste lingers on the tongue. The alcohol content is 7.5% ABV. I’m not sure that I’ve had a smoother chocolate stout that had a wonderfully balanced smoked flavor. This beer is a must try if you can still find it.