Hello, and welcome back to the Eternal Hoptimists,
As you probably realise, I’m a big fan of stouts (I’m becoming rather stout myself and need to lose some bulk before my trip to Fuerteventura in October.) This one promises decadence on the label so I have high hopes.
What looks to be a dull can is rather stunning on closer inspection. It’s a monochrome style photograph taken by Nick Pumphrey of a moorland village, the Zennor of the name. Stark and moody, but will the beer measure up in comparison?
- Name : Zennor
- Brewery: St Ives Brewery, Cornwall
- Hops : Phoenix
- Grain : Dark malted barley, wheat and oats
- Aroma : Roast, merest hint of chocolate and a little sweetness
- Appearance : Black with no real light bleed, creamy brown head
- Body : Full bodied with medium carbonation with some head retention
- Taste : Roast and slightly bitter at the start then hints of chocolate and the merest hint of sweetness. The finish is dry producing a strong lingering aftertaste with roasted smokiness to it
- Dietary restrictions : Suitable for vegans
Smooth and velvety mouthfeel from the oats and with a moreish quality to it. Good to have a nice smoky edge to the flavour profile, something I often find lacking in modern stouts. Not the most complex stout but a basic one which has been done very well. An ideal beer to relax with now the nights are starting to draw in.
Peter’s overall rating: 3.7/ 5.0
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