96 Scottish Stout, Belhaven Brewery (Scotland). 7% ABV (1/09)
Dark brown-black color with a dark tan head. Aromas of baker’s chocolate, charred nuts and clay follow through on a round, supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-full body with mashed raisin and baked apple notes. Finishes with a long, rich chocolate-covered dried fruit and nut fade. A superbly balanced and purely crafted strong stout with fantastic dimensional flavor.
91 Obsidian Stout, Deschutes Brewery (OR). 6.4% ABV (1/09)
Brownish black color with a rocky light brown head. Aromas of warm chocolate pudding and dark toasted raisin nut bread follow through on a supple, soft entry to a dryish medium-to-full body with good depth and touch of molasses, dried apple and bitter orange peel on the crisp cocoa powder finish.