Modus Operandi is one of our favourite brewers here at Brews Buzz, and amongst the crew I am definitely the resident stout lover. Known predominately for their hoppy IPA’s (although the Silent Knight Porter is a cracker) a sweet stout is an unusual beer to see from MO as a limited release. Named in honour of the black Labrador brewery dog ‘Stout’ (I’m going to pinch that name when I get a dog). Although it’s a winter release, I’ve still seen it in a few good independent bottle shops and it went down smoothly on a cool spring night.

Can. Pours jet black with a thin mocha head. Aromas of roasted coffee beans, both dark and milk chocolate and smooth vanilla bean. Delicious milky coffee, roasted malts (eight different malts if you don’t mind), dark chocolate and balancing hops. I really like this interpretation as I love the flavours the lactose provides in a milk stout, but often don’t like the sweetness. MO have nailed the hop levels and roasted malts though to ensure this is an enjoyable, easy drinking stout that begs for a second 500mL can.

Appearance: 4/5
Aroma: 7/10
Flavour: 8/10
Palate: 3/5
Overall: 14/20