Being partial to dark beers, how could I possibly go past Murray's Heart of Darkness stout from Murray's Craft Brewing at Port Stephens.
This deliciously black brew is not for the faint hearted or those who like the girly-man beers.
Inspired by Belgian stouts, this drop is the colour of midnight with a coffee head and not a real lot of evervesence.
However it does have tempting chocolate/malt nose which isnt as confronting as some stouts.
It is a smooth rich creamy drop that fills the mouth with flavour.
Theres a hint of sweetness (but only a hint) and this doesnt have any strong roasted malt notes coming through which you'd expect from big deep stouts.
Be warned, this is a strong drop at 9.6% and it does make it mark on the way down and you know you have had a few pretty quickly.
While an ideal cold weather drop, there smooth well-balanced nature of this stout would allow you to enjoy it almost any evening.
This is definitely a stout to savored at home just be prepared not to do too much after youve had one or two.
MY TIP
Get this nice and cold but dont drink it chilled, even allow it to breathe for a little while. Its not cheap and at $22 per 330ml stubbie at selected outlets or you could order through the brewery website at www.murraysbrewingco.com.au