Ballast Point The Commodore

Ballast Point The Commodore is an American Stout, 6.5% ABV.

This beer pours exactly like you should expect; black in color with no light creeping through the beer, and a big light tan head then settles slowly over time. Nothing really stands out about the aroma, but it is pleasant. Some mild roasted malt, some sweet chocolate and maybe the slightest hint of smokiness are on the nose. The taste starts with a strong black licorice flavor that really comes out of nowhere after the aroma! Roasted malts, a mild hop bite, some sweet dark fruit, and a dry oak/wood finish round out the flavor profile for me. That licorice finds it’s way back into my mouth on the aftertaste. The mouth-feel is just fine for the style, somewhere between thin and chewy.

As much as I like almost all of the elements of this stout, that strong licorice flavor does nothing for me. I would not turn down another one of these if offered, quality brew for sure, but it’s not one I’m personally stocking at the house.