I love stouts. So does Rockmill. In fact, they love stouts so much that they Belgianified a stout so that we might love stouts even more, and then they named it Rugged Expanse, probably because it sounds rough and gritty. Now, some of you may be thinking that such an amalgamation of spice, fruits, and roasty goodness is surely one of the first signs of the awakening of Cthulhu. Fear not, my friends, the end is not nigh. And, even if it was, at least you’d have this tasty beer to keep you company. Beer – your pal until the end.
On the nose, this beer is an exploration in layers. A roasty backbone supports notes of mild clove spice, hints of citrus and stone fruits (specifically plums and peaches), while toasted grains approach from the sides. A mild alcohol tang is present between the other aromas, while hints of burnt sugars create deeper complexity, as well as a slight sweetness. Though it may seem as if there is just too much going on here to appreciated everything on it’s own, each aroma comes through on its own, allowing you to breathe in the spice and fruits of the Belgian yeast, while still appreciating the deep, roasty stoutness.
The flavors of this beer are much the same as the aroma, just much more intense. Plum, toffee, and roasted grains make up the initial surge, while hints of apple peel and banana follow immediately behind. A touch of grass and clove spice add more to the Belgian push, before smoke and anise boost up the stout side of things. As each drink nears the finish, mild citrus notes work in tandem with toasted grain to expose a momentarily lighter side to this stout, before slipping back into the inky dark. The esters and phenolic spiciness of the Belgian yeast works hand in hand with the roasted qualities of the dark malts, creating tasty, tasty complexity.
Drinking this beer is to experience two vastly different styles at the same time, and while still being able to discern individual flavors from within the blackness within your glass. Rugged Expanse is a tasty example of the hybridization of beer styles that I am most definitely a fan of. Done right, these beers can add entirely new layers to the tried and true beers that already exist today, and this beer is definity done right. I tip my hat to you, Rockmill, and your tasty elixir.
