Ridgeway Brewing Company – Lump Of Coal Dark Holiday Stout

I must have been bad to get this.  Ridgeway’s Lump of Coal Dark Holiday Stout wasn’t the punishment I expected though.  Judging from the name, and the used motor oil color, I thought I was in for a bruiser.  Maybe Santa felt bad for me.

The 16 oz gift from England was underwhelming.  It poured very dark black with very little head.  I would like to think it was the quality of the pour, but I have my doubts.  The flavor was good, but unoriginal in a stout.  It had hints of coffee and chocolate, but the malt was too heavy to enjoy any of that.  At 8% ABV it went down smooth, but almost uneventful.  Maybe it was the name, but I had higher expectations.  I wouldn’t turn it down if you poured me one, but I hope I get back on the ‘nice’ list soon.