“The seasons turn. You find your way back. Endless Return is built for that moment – when things slow down and you settle in. A blend of six malt layers, dark chocolate, espresso and roasted barley, balanced by a subtle caramel warmth and a smooth, dry finish. Rich, composed and made to be returned to. Again and again.”

Glassware: American pint.

Appearance: Almost completely black except for a flicker of light punching through at the base of the glass. A thumb of light brown head slowly recedes to a fine overlay. Nice webbed lacing in its wake.

Aroma: We love a good American stout. For us they sit on the slightly heavier end of a black IPA which suits us just fine! And this iteration is doing exactly that – displaying a lightly charred malt base of coffee, dark chocolate, marzipan and ash whilst the hops counter with their oily and resinous wafts of pine, citrus and herbs. As it settles the roasty stout qualities intensify too.

Flavour: Absolutely on point. If anything, it’s pushed harder to the stout side with a good dose of dark chocolate, lightly burnt wood and molasses. The hops still punch through hard with their oily, resinous and herbaceous citrus and pine…balancing it all out perfectly. Just a hint of bitterness from the hops, drying it all out before it rounds off on a roasty and earthy finish with subtle resin and herbal spice on the rear.

Mouthfeel: Well rounded, smooth and bulbous. Medium-full body. Low-ish Co2 and a well behaved 6.4% ABV.

Overall: Modus were off our radar for quite some time for reasons unclear. Even to us! Their American brown ale and now this have them firmly back on it. Solid American stout.