Hey guys!!!  How’s it going?!?!  I, must first, apologize for not writing a beer review yesterday, but we had a family emergency and had to spend the night in the hospital, so a beer tasting was not my first priority.  However, everything seems to be back to normal now, so I figured I better get back to profiling a few beers for you.

I thought that today, I would share with you my experience in drinking a Rogue Double Chocolate Stout.  This is a beer I have been dying to try ever since I heard it was on the market.  As soon as I saw it, I snatched it up and brought it home.

This Double Chocolate Stout is produced by the Rogue Brewing Company (rogue.com) in Newport, Oregon.

Here’s the description from the website.

Double Chocolate Stout is an evolution of Rogue Chocolate Stout, which is flavored with imported Dutch bittersweet chocolate.  In 2010, Double Chocolate Stout received a Gold Medal at the World Beer Championships.

If you recall, I absolutely loved the Rogue Chocolate Stout, so I have high expectations for this beer.

This Rogue came in a 25.4 oz. bottle and had an ABV of 8.7%.

To start with, I must say that this was one of the best looking beers that I have ever laid my eyes on.  It poured a very, very, very dark brown/black color with only a speckle of ruby at the very bottom.  Literally, the ruby was just an outline across the foot of the glass.  The head was a dark mocha color that was super smooth and unbelievably creamy.  It was, easily, the creamiest and smoothest head that I have ever seen.  Small bubbles were completely compacted together to form an outstanding size with tremendous retention and copious amounts of lacing.  I swear, I think I could have floated a silver dollar on the crown!!!  Perfection on the appearance in my opinion.

The aroma was chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate.  Both bittersweet dark chocolate and milk chocolate completely dominated the nose.  Touches of cream, cocoa powder and toasted, dried oats are all recognized, but the rich chocolate quickly takes over and dominates the fragrance.  Only the slightest hint of hops and a minor trace of an alcohol note were found.  Super sweet, nicely balanced, even and harmonious.

The taste was just like the aroma with the only exception being that the alcohol seemed to be a bit more forward.  It was similar to a milk chocolate candy bar dipped in alcohol, although the alcohol did dissipate significantly as the brew warmed and settled in.  I never found any coffee or espresso flavoring, yet I doubt it was Rogue’s intention to bother with that.  Some chalkiness accompanied the chocolate along with a little tickle of hops.  Rich, sweet, bold and very well balanced in the taste.

The mouthfeel was medium/full, thick, chewy, smooth, creamy and dry.  It’s a tad bit heavier than the regular Rogue Chocolate Stout.  It’s rather filling and it seemed to set on my stomach for a good, long while even after I had finished the brew.  A nice, medium alcohol warmth was felt on the back of the tongue and throat.  A generous amount of chocolate and “chalkiness” were left behind on the palate also.  All in all, a very nice, complete mouthfeel.

Well, this brew is really, really good.  It’s most definitely worth a try if you love Chocolate Stouts.  I, personally, didn’t find it to be quite as good as the regular Rogue Chocolate Stout however.  Only a half step below.  The reason being is that I thought it was somewhat too “filling” and the alcohol was a little more pronounced and noticeable.  Also, the higher ABV made the drinkability not nearly as easy.  One would be all I could handle I think.  It’s still a superb beer though!!!  Without a doubt, it’s a brew that I would love to pick up again.  This would be a perfect brew for a long, cold, Winter’s night.  I thoroughly enjoyed it and nearly went into a diabetic coma after drinking it!!!  Haha!!!  If you see it…. don’t hesitate.  Pick it up and savor this flavorful Chocolate Stout.          

Which do you guys prefer?  The Rogue Chocolate Stout or the Rogue “Double” Chocolate Stout?

Leave a comment if you wish.  I would love to hear from you!!! 

Thanks for reading.  Again, I apologize for not posting yesterday.  If everything holds true, I should be back on track and posting daily now.

Cheers!!!

Score:  4.55 out of 5
Grade:  A+