Survival "7-Grain" Stout
Served in a glass stein with the Cal Poly green-and-gold mustang emblazoned on it. Appearance: A pretty looking beer. The head forms a nice medium tan. At first the head looks a little thin but it sets nice and full and has some pretty good staying power. Laces nicely and retains an even layer of foam over the top. A few notes of dark mahogany dance back and forth in the brew. Smell: Oh wow, very nice smell. A lot of roasty coffee smells and not that dry, burnt smelling roast that seems to make it in to some stouts. Small chocolate hints play well with the other aromas. Very pleasant. My only demerit would be that it is very basic. There is, however, a certain art in simplicity and I find that this pleasing aroma has some substance to it. It is strong, pronounced and up front. Taste: The taste isn't as bold as the smell suggests but good none the less. It features a very smooth entrance, almost undetectable and finishes out in the back with nutty, earthy notes. Although I get the coffee and chocolate a bit, this beer seems to feature a grainier profile. Mouthfeel: Pleasant if not a bit on the light side. I'd like to see just the slightest bit more body in this beer. A little density would round it out nicely. That being said the brew is smooth and doesn't blast the pallet with too much texture. Drinkability: Definitely drinkable. The low-key mouthfeel and subdued taste preserve your tongue and don't nuke your taste buds. All-and-all I am very impressed with this beer. I am not an "organic" (I view it as an effective marketing tool) and thus was wary of this beer. I believe this Survival "7-Grain" Stout would make an excellent "session" beer for the winter months. I'd love to have this on tap the next time I'm in the Portland, Or area.