Our Score: 95/100
Humboldt Brewing Company Black Xantus: An Exquisite Blend of Coffee and Stout
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to infuse the robust flavors of coffee into the velvety richness of a stout beer? Well, Humboldt Brewing Company has done just that with their Black Xantus, a highly raved-about stout-infused coffee brew.
First off, this offering from Humboldt boasts an impressive 95/100 rating overall – translating to an intriguing, high-quality product that promises a unique set of flavors and experiences. However, let’s dive into the different aspects, starting with the aroma.
Aroma (12/15)
Upon opening a bottle of the Black Xantus, you’ll immediately be greeted by dark fruity esters. We have this melange of raisin, plum, dark cherry, and currant wafting through the air, creating an intriguing, and notably surprising aromatic profile. Interestingly, a delightful sweetness lingers, resonating with notes of vanilla and oak. Plus, there’s a sprinkle of sherry aged character in the mix, which lends a great depth to the aroma working perfectly with this stout. Additionally, a unique spice character hues back and forth between bourbon and sarsaparilla, adding another level of complexity to the olfactory experience.
Appearance (3/5)
The Black Xantus, much like classic stouts, sports a dark, overwhelmingly profound colour that looks almost obsidian when held to the light. However, even with its deep hue, the beer does possess a certain clarity, reinforcing the considered attention to detail that Humboldt Brewing provides to its brews.
Flavor (19/20)
The intense dark fruity sweetness directly descended from the nose greets the palette initially. Concentrated flavors of raisin and currant show up prominently, akin to a bite into a dark fruit tart. Thereon, indulgent tastes of chocolate, sherry, and oak dive in adding complexity. It’s these layers of intricate flavors that truly make the stout stand out, marrying an almost dessert-like sweetness with the intrinsic characteristics of a traditional stout.
Let me add that this stout doesn’t shy away from its ABV. It’s quite boozy and sweet – but not overwhelmingly so. Thanks to its moderate bitterness, the beer maintains a balance in its flavor profile preventing any particular note from overpowering the others. The roastiness, when allowed to warm a bit, makes a more prominent appearance and lingers with every passing sip. Additionally, some of the finishing sweetness tastes like vanilla from the oak, or even smoked licorice, leaving you wanting more.
Mouthfeel (4/5)
The Black Xantus boasts a full-bodied, creamy, and rich mouthfeel, indicative of the robustness of a high-quality stout. You should note, there’s a sense of sweet booziness to it, but this is well complemented by the roasty dryness in the palate. It leaves a pleasant long-lasting coat on your tongue, which is quite satisfying for stout enthusiasts like myself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Humboldt Brewing Company Black Xantus is a sweet, boozy treat that offers an intriguing blend of both chocolaty malt, molasses, and fruity esters. It’s a bit sweet on the finish, but it leaves behind a roastiness that perfectly rounds off the experience. I believe this stout, given a little time to rest, can transform into an even more fantastic beer. Definitely something worth picking on your next visit to the bottle shop.
Recommended For
This is one of those beers that can be enjoyed by both wine lovers and stout lovers. It combines the best of both worlds and is surely a unique brew to experience.
Remember:
As we always say, a beer review is of course, subjective. What we found pleasing in the Black Xantus you might not, or vice versa. So, the best way to know for sure is to go grab yourself a bottle (or a couple) and experience it yourself. Cheers!
I absolutely love the unique combination of coffee and stout in this Black Xantus brew from Humboldt Brewing. The high score of 95/100 and the detailed breakdown of its aroma, appearance, and flavor just further solidifies its excellent quality and reputation. This is definitely a must-try for any beer enthusiast looking for a unique and exquisite blend of flavors. Cheers to Humboldt Brewing Company for creating such a delicious and well-crafted brew!
Rs that make Black Xantus an experience that must be tried at least once. Furthermore, an oaky vanilla bitterness creeps in, rounding off the sweetness as one last balance.
Overall, the Black Xantus is a unique and exquisite concoction that deserves its high score. Every sip and experience of this coffee-stout blend is a journey that beer enthusiasts should take. So, if you happen to chance upon it, do yourself a favor and give it a try.
Disclaimer: This comment is my personal opinion and is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or entity.
This is an excellent beer, with an exceptional balance of flavors, and a very high overall score. I highly recommend trying this unique and delicious blend from Humboldt Brewing Company.
Rs that perfectly balance each other out and create a substance that you’ll keep going back to, sip after sip.
In the finish, you’ll be surprised by a subtle dark chocolate bitterness layering – one that’s not initially apparent. However, you’ll notice it’s continually building while you move onto your next sip as a lasting reminder of the robust richness of the coffee flavoring.
Mouthfeel (5/5)
The Black Xantus is smooth, silky, and pleasantly carbonated – perfect for this type of beer. Additionally, the beer has a full-bodied mouthfeel that’ll titillate your tastebuds, and the incredibly indulgent palate-pleasing ride only escalates as the beer warms up – unveiling further palatal treasures that are simply sublime.
Overall, I highly recommend the Black Xantus for anyone looking for a unique flavor experience. It’s evident that Humboldt Brewing Company has put a lot of thought, creativity, and passion into creating such an exquisite blend of coffee and stout, resulting in a well-deserved score of 95 out of 100.
Cheers to a truly exceptional brew!
Disclaimer: This review is purely based on personal opinion and taste preference. Individual experiences may differ.
Overall, the Black Xantus from Humboldt Brewing Company has proven to be a highly impressive and delicious blend of coffee and stout. From its alluring aroma to its complex and balanced flavors, this beer is definitely one to try for those looking for a unique and indulgent taste experience. With its high overall score of 95/100, it’s clear that Humboldt Brewing Company has created a standout brew that deserves recognition and praise.