If you’ve been reading this blog for the past couple months, then you’ll know that I went to a very special place in Columbia, SC called The World of Beer. You also may remember that one of the beers I tried was called Stillwater Aristisanal Ale of Love and Regret. I remember it being very, very delicious. So ever since I got back to MA, I’ve been looking for that particular beer, and failing that, just the brewery. On my last trip to Julios, I found a bunch of Stillwater Ales (though not that particular one).
So I ended up getting the Folklore Mythic Tradition Ale, which is a dark, 8.5% Belgian Stout. And goddamn, if you want a malty beer, pick this up.
Color: A very dark, dense brown/black color. Pours with a large (and very attractive) mocha head that is very foamy and bubbly. Disappears slowly but steadily. Although the head is large, it doesn’t look too thick–seems more on the airy side because of the bubbles. This pours a lighter, clearer brown, but it’s very dark once it’s in the glass.
Aroma: Smells strong and very malty. The malt aroma comes on slowly, but once you’re smelling it, it’s hard to notice anything else. There’s also a bit of a yeasty smell. Is very roasty and earthy. Despite the dark color and the obvious malt smell, it seems more like a spring beer. One to be enjoyed on a dark, rainy, slightly cool spring day, but still spring nonetheless.
First Sip: Very roasty and a little smokey. It also has nice carbonation. It’s got a nice and full taste and is very flavorful, but it’s not too heavy. There’s some yeast taste in there as well. It’s a strong brew, but not too strong. Heavy, but not too heavy. I believe the word I’m looking for here is “drinkable.” It’s got plenty of roasty/smokey malt flavor, but it’s not heavy or thick. Balanced would also be another good word.
Mouthfeel: Again, nothing too heavy, it’s quite a drinkable beer despite all the flavor. It’s not too sweet or too bitter–somewhere in the middle. It still very malty and roasty. More earthy and smokey flavors come through here, but it’s still subtle (particularly the smokey taste) and it fits in nicely. Can tell that it’s stronger than it seems, as the boozey flavor comes through a bit here.
Aftertaste: Mostly roasty/malt taste left over. Some earthy notes stick around as well. No boozey taste or warming sensation. The aftertaste is light, overall.
So in conclusion: want a malty, flavorful, but drinkable, beer? I think it goes without saying that you should try this.