BEER REVIEW: 375

BREWER: Whitstable Bay, Kent, England

STYLE: Stout

ABV: 4.2%

VESSEL: 500ml brown bottle

DATE OF POST: 13th December 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

What I really love about this weekly beer testing journey that Sammy and I embarked on over 7 years ago is that not only has it opened our eyes to so many different styles of beer, it’s also opened our eyes to a certain style in certain situations and also certain situations within a style. Still with me?!

Take last weeks absolute banger for instance. An 8% monster of a Chai Stout. Would I want to settle down on a day like Christmas day for instance for a loooooong sloooooow all day sitting with it? Frankly, no, I wouldn’t. That brew is far too rich, strong and complex for that. But a brew like today’s one, Black Stout (I hope the person that came up with that name got a promotion instantly (#eyes)), though massively inferior to last week absolutely sits in that all day winter session bracket. It’s not rich, it’s not complex (even though the label says that it is) it’s just really enjoyable to drink.

And you know what, I think I’m gonna leave it there.

Exceptional this is not. However, for a very drinkable, sessionable stout that’s readily available and very affordable… you won’t go far wrong here.

Jymi’s Rating: 67%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Whitstable Bay Black Stout came in as a pleasant surprise. At first glance, the packaging doesn’t set high expectations—the label is a bit lacklustre, though the dark colour of the stout itself gives it an oddly sophisticated look that works in its favour. Whether intentional or not, the deep black hue adds a level of allure that the design alone doesn’t quite manage.

On the nose, there are some light hints of coffee, nothing overwhelming or complex, but just enough to promise that classic stout experience. This stout doesn’t throw out a maze of flavours to get lost in, and that turns out to be one of its strengths. The first few sips reveal the essentials: coffee, roasted barley, and a hint of dark chocolate that lingers and grows as you make your way through the glass.

While it’s not quite as bold or complex as some stouts, the straightforward flavour profile works in its favour. Sometimes, simplicity is all you need, and Whitstable Bay Black Stout sticks to a tried-and-true formula without veering off course. Yes, it tails off a little quickly on the finish, and a bit more intensity might have elevated it, but as you sip, the flavours start to settle in nicely, and it becomes more enjoyable with every mouthful.

For anyone looking for a solid, no-nonsense stout that delivers the classic flavours without any frills, Whitstable Bay Black Stout is a winner. It’s easy to enjoy, pleasantly balanced, and, honestly, quite a rewarding find.

Sammy’s Rating: 79%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 73%

MOB review next weekend: GUINNESS FOREIGN EXTRA by GUINNESS

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

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M O B 2024