Beer Review: Left Hand Milk Stout

Overall 9.2/10 - Left Hand Milk Stout is perhaps my favorite beer of all time. It has an excellent, creamy-coffee flavor, with a thick head and smooth body. It is easy to drink, sweet, and not too bitter. Drink this beer at a slightly warmer temperature (50-55 degrees) to really taste the milk-coffee flavors. Brewed in Longmont, Colorado.

Appearance 1.8/2.0 - The appearance of this beer is highlighted by its amazing head retention. I think it held up for the entire beer. The webbing and legs of the head are equally impressive. The body is black and the head is a warm caramel color.

Smell 1.7/2.0 - Left Hand Milk Stout has a chalky/cocoa smell. The smell of malts and roasted coffee like scents are strong. There is also a hint of milk.

Taste 3.9/4.0 - Left Hand's Milk Stout is one of the best beers I have ever tasted. There is a perfect balance of coffee, cream, malts, and sweetness. The front end is very malty, the middle taste is sweet, and the back end tastes like roasted coffee with hints of milk. I did notice that the flavors became more pronounced as the beer warmed up a little (above 50 degrees).

Mouth Feel 1.8/2.0 - Smooth and velvety, thick, and creamy. There is an absence of carbonation which is perfect for a sweet cream stout.

Pairing - Because Left Hand Milk Stout is so flavorful and thick the beer stands well on its own. I would serve as an appetizer beverage with peanuts and cheese. The sweetness of the beer would go great with a sharp cheddar, goat cheese, and/or peanuts. Many people have also mentioned that Left Hand Milk Stout goes great mixed with coffee. I have not tried it, but sounds like a great idea. (1/3 cold coffee, 2/3 beer)