It's still odd to look at a stout that isn't some shade of black. I know it's just a thing I have to get over, but I can't help but think that this might be a better beer if it was the right color. As it is, the color is particularly coppery with almost no head. I tried to get as much head as I could coax out, and the pittance that you see in this picture is the best I could to. The aroma is an interesting sweet caramel and apple pie malt that has been resting in a whiskey barrel.First sip is unlike most stouts. It isn't like the Evil Czech white stout, so there's no coffee lurking in there trying to attack me. Yes, I taste a bit of coffee, but that seems to be a very background flavor, and I don't find it irksome. Instead, it's a sweet soda with light caramel, apple pie, and that whiskey barrel intrigue.
Tip-in is apple juice and caramel with only a touch of carbonation tingle. The middle is where the whiskey - possibly vodka or moonshine, but definitely heavy alcohol - makes its home as the cinnamon and spices come in to form the apple pie with a caramel topping. The finish is a hit of bitter and a little floral tinge.
Bottom Line: Mantra is all about balance, and this isn't where balance is found.
1.0/5
