STOUTS are normally a drink which I would enjoy during the cooler months but I have been partial to a decent chocolate stout at any time.
When I was presented with Sou’ Wester from the Gulf Brewery in South Australia and read that it was a ‘smooth, rich chocolate stout’ how could I refuse?
With a coffer coloured head and a subtle but distinctive chocolate aroma, Sou’ Wester had my mouth watering well before I tasted it.
Stouts have a wonderful ability to really fill the mouth with flavour.
Some can be quite strong and robust and definitely for the true lovers of this dark drop while Sou’ Wester was much smoother and combined a malt/cocoa flavour which left and interest but nor over bearing aftertaste.
As far as a stout goes, it wasn’t the heaviest stout I have tried and while some other brands will leave feeling ‘full’ after just a couple, the Gulf Brewery drop has a quality which could see you enjoying more than just a few.
At 4.6 percent alcohol, it’s full strength as you might expect from a stout and the chocolate nature of the brew manages to take any sharpness away.
This is a great beer to have at the end of a good meal with a desert, possibly a chocolate pudding or something with berries and a sauce or just to sit back and enjoy on its own.
This is a stout so expect flavour which may not be for those who aren’t lovers of dark or ‘robust’ beers however as far as a stout goes, it has a quality which could ‘convert’ a few drinkers over to ‘the dark side’.
MY TIP
Sou’ Wester I think is best enjoyed cold but definitely not chilled. If fact if you let this ‘breathe’ for a little bit, you’ll find the aroma becomes a little more pronounced and the flavours more discernable. Stouts can often be an acquired taste but the chocolate nature of this drop adds to its appeal without it being sweet. You can order this stout through the Gulf Brewery website or through eBay by typing in Gulf Brewery. There are hopes it being more widely distributed – let’s hope so! Visit www.gulfbrewry.com.au for orders at $66 per 24 x 330ml carton.