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When I looked at the very good Absence of Light from 4 Hands, I didn't even think about the fact that I had not done a review of the milk stout that it was based on. Well, it's time to put things right and taste the deliciousness of a milk stout (well, a chocolate one). Okay, the issue going in is likely that I have high expectations for any milk stout, and they are going to have to try to live up to the likes of Formal Attire or Left Hand's fantastic offering.
The beer is black as sin with dark brown at the edges and an impressive, tan head of many bubbles. It won't be leaving a whole lot of lacing behind - none, probably - but it's a nice cap that descends to a thin and relatively even layer across the beer. The aroma is dark roasted wood, chocolate, and possibly some cherries. It's very inviting.
First sip is more charred wood than I expected, even from the sip, but it dovetails nicely into the sweet dark chocolate with a little of a vanilla highlight. It's very easy going for a stout. I even braced for excessive coffee, and there is some coffee coming from the malt, but it's not too bad, and I can certainly overlook it in favor of the other wondrousness coming from the rest of the beverage. I wonder what it would taste like if I swigged it.
Tip-in is mild carbonation with dark chocolate syrup and smoked wood. The middle rises with a bit more carbonation as the heft of the beer is felt without a corresponding increase in flavor, and it's an odd sensation. The finish is a bright light of vanilla, chocolate, charred wood, and sweetness.
Bottom Line: A delight.
4.75/5
