Beer of the Weekend #909: Mocha Merlin
It’s been bitterly cold here, so the beer of the weekend is a sixer of something darker and heavier than I usually drink now: Mocha Merlin, brewed by the Firestone Walking Brewing Company of Paso Robles, California.
The color is non-opaque black with a ruby tint when held to light (a bright torch lamp tilted forward). A finger of dense, buttery, tan, cappuccino-like head settles slowly and evenly, leaving a frothy collar.
The first whiff is dark and roasted. Roasted malt reminiscent of coffee is most prominent. I don’t drink enough coffee to know whether it is true to its mocha namesake, though. Dark chocolate is noticeable deep down, but the roasted malt overpowers everything else.
The mouthfeel is smooth and creamy, true to the style. The flavor is much more balanced with coffee-like roasted malt and dark chocolate. Cocoa nibs are noticeable, though they may get mixed in with the roasted malt. A lasting bitterness, which is roasted and earthy, coats the taste buds after each sip. It sweetens as it warms, and flavors of molasses, caramel, and a hint of brown sugar emerge.
Fun facts about Mocha Merlin:
• Style: English-style oatmeal stout.
• Price: $8.99 for a six-pack of 12-ounce cans at Lucky’s Market in Iowa City.
• Alcohol content: 5.5 percent ABV.
• IBU: 23.
• Calories: 165 (estimate).
The Quiet Man’s grade: B.
The color is non-opaque black with a ruby tint when held to light (a bright torch lamp tilted forward). A finger of dense, buttery, tan, cappuccino-like head settles slowly and evenly, leaving a frothy collar.
The first whiff is dark and roasted. Roasted malt reminiscent of coffee is most prominent. I don’t drink enough coffee to know whether it is true to its mocha namesake, though. Dark chocolate is noticeable deep down, but the roasted malt overpowers everything else.
The mouthfeel is smooth and creamy, true to the style. The flavor is much more balanced with coffee-like roasted malt and dark chocolate. Cocoa nibs are noticeable, though they may get mixed in with the roasted malt. A lasting bitterness, which is roasted and earthy, coats the taste buds after each sip. It sweetens as it warms, and flavors of molasses, caramel, and a hint of brown sugar emerge.
Fun facts about Mocha Merlin:
• Style: English-style oatmeal stout.
• Price: $8.99 for a six-pack of 12-ounce cans at Lucky’s Market in Iowa City.
• Alcohol content: 5.5 percent ABV.
• IBU: 23.
• Calories: 165 (estimate).
The Quiet Man’s grade: B.
