Share |
Bomber of the Month: January
Lion Foreign Export Stout
15% off all month
Sale End: 1/31/2011
ABV: 8.8%
Beer Advocate: A-
Rate Beer: 99pts
Lion Foreign Export Stout

From the beautiful island nation of Sri Lanka comes Ceylon Brewing Co.’s Lion Stout. In the beer universe it is known as a Foreign Export Stout, for reasons which will become evident. Sri Lanka has had a long and tumultuous history as a European colony. Because of the country’s strategic location within the trading routes of the East Indies, it was claimed by the Portuguese and then by the Dutch until the British ultimately wrestled control. For the purposes of this beer it is the British we are most interested in. The British found that the fertile fields of the idyllic island were perfect for growing the tea they so dearly treasured. And being so far from home they longed for the beer they were accustomed to in their native United Kingdom. So in the 1800’s Sir Samuel Backer set up Sri Lanka’s first brewery, Ceylon Brewing. More than a century later it evolved into a Sri Lankan export. The term Foreign Extra Stout refers to a style which is brewed bigger than normal to ensure the beer loses nothing on an export voyage which will typically be longer than most. Sri Lanka is much further away than Bend, Oregon.

On to the Tasting Notes:

Even though Lion Stout has an ABV of 8.8% you would not know this from taking your initial sip. Smooth and creamy are the foremost adjectives that come to mind. In the glass the beer reveals a mahogany hue with a soft pillow of light brown for the head. On the nose this is all malty goodness. Molasses and bitter chocolate permeate, and your palate is just aching for a taste. Oh and what a taste. Again, creamy is what I find, along with hints of milk chocolate, baking chocolate and malt. I noticed roasted espresso lingering in the background as well.  On the mid to back palate I found the little bit of carbonation made the bitterness and the sweetness blend together in a fabulous harmony. I think I might be ruined for stouts after experiencing Lion Stout. This is the real deal.

Food Pairing:

It’s a cliché to say one should pair food and drink by region. But clichés are clichés for a reason, because there is a deep truth engrained in these old sayings. Sri Lanka is an island nation just off the southern coast of India. And while Sri Lankan is nothing like Indian, their cuisines share some similarities. I would go with something spicy. Namely a Vindaloo. In fact I just enjoyed some left over Chicken Vindaloo from Little India with the Lion Stout and it was fantastic. The slight sweetness of Lion Stout perfectly complimented the hot spice of the Vindaloo. Spice and sweet never tasted so good.          




Reviews Interviews

 

Home    |    Deals    |    Wines    |    Notes From The Beer Cooler    |    Event Planning    |    Ask The Experts    |    Locate Us    |    Newsletter Signup
Copyright 2012 Mile High Wine and Spirits   |    Login