Hitachino Nest Sweet Stout (Lacto)
Whimsical bottle. Whimsical beer? Not so much. Appropriately stouty in appearance--clear but very dark, with rusty brown tinges around the edges. Topped off with a modest cap of fine, brown head that quickly fell away to a tight ring. A more assertive nose than anticipated--even when still well chilled--highlighted by a tasty choco-coffee roastiness. Those notes carry over less to the taste, which is characterized by a lasting, creamy sweetness and complemented by an unexpectedly crisp mouthfeel. There are some funky things going on here. An interesting stout that's neither easily described nor easily dismissed.