“Almond Joy-inspired sweet stout brewed with lactose, cacao nibs, fresh and toasted coconut, with sliced and roasted almonds.”

Glassware: Snifter.

Appearance: As expected, an impenetrable black pour with two fingers of finely beaded foam nestled in on top. Good head retention and healthy lace as we go.

Aroma: We must say the almond/nutty side of it is really noticeable. In a good way of course! There’s also fairly prominent scents of peanuts, hazelnut and pecan. Simply loving the coconut aspect. The cacao nibs are a little muted and the lactose isn’t as sweet as we’d anticipated but don’t for one minute think that’s a criticism as there’s already enough happening.

Flavour: The nutty flavours are getting most of the attention again. Actually the sweet milk sugars/lactose have been beefed up here…we can really taste the creamy vanilla-esque sweetness it brings. It dips into a quick roasty note but not before the nicely tempered sweetness takes hold and steers it all into a sweet, nutty and toasty finish which dries out the longer it sits.

Mouthfeel: Sturdy with a high viscosity. Co2 is rightfully kept low and the 10% ABV is well behaved.

Overall: It’s getting to that point where we couldn’t decide whether BL or The Bruery holds the crown for Pastry Stouts. Both equally as good but both equally expensive AF! Haha.