Toward the end of each year, we look forward to our annual shipment of La Debauche beers from France. This is the first of those beers but keep an eye on future monthly packs for a few more of their treats.
This beer is a milk stout. A relatively modest 5.9% ABV stout with the addition of sweet lactose for that dessert feel.
Virtually black in colour and with a nice beige foam this beer looks and smells bigger than it actually is. Loads of vanilla, chocolate, mocha, caramel and a hint of coffee all present in the aroma.
To taste the first thing I notice is the delightfully sweet, full body. It’s a really round mouthfeel thanks to the lactose. But it isn’t all just sweetness as there is this roasty astringency from the malt that serves to cut through that sweetness and balance things out.
A milk stout isn’t a style that might immediately spring to mind when choosing a beer, but they are an interesting option that has that hint of indulgence about it.