“Export stout with a high proportion of oats. Full bodied, dark roast, light smoked malt, dark chocolate (think 90% Lindt).”

Glassware: Snifter.

Appearance: Pitch black pour with a finger of brown head nestled in on top. Steady reduction but minimal lacing on the glass.

Aroma: We’re picking up a distinct smokiness right off the bat. It then morphs nicely into more of a charred wood/campfire quality then into rich molasses, cigar skins and dried tobacco. There are also significant amounts of dark chocolate and spice with more nuanced espresso, licorice, musk and earthiness. It’s damn impressive for a modest 5.8% stout.

Flavour: It packs some serious heat for its size. Everything we listed in the aroma transfers over – the smokiness/campfire, the cigars, dark chocolate and licorice. The bittersweet molasses and espresso develop later in the piece. The charred malt and bitterness continually ascend as it all hits a crescendo then gradually deconstructs into a long and drawn out roasty finish.

Mouthfeel: Fairly dense and muscly. Co2 is kept low but the slightly lifted IBU makes it feel higher. Medium-full body and a 5.8% ABV that punches well above its weight.

Overall: That concludes our little journey into Du Cane’s range. We must say we’ve been impressed by the quality of all 5 of them. This stout in particular is a brilliant drop for its size. An excellent way to finish it all off.