Great Notion Black Magic Dreams

Black Magic Dreams comes from Great Notion Brewing in Portland, Oregon, and it is described as a dark, roasty stout with chocolate and coffee character. The name matches the profile, and in stouts built this way the roast usually does most of the work: expect dark chocolate and brewed coffee on the nose and palate, a medium-to-full body, and a finish where the roast sits against whatever sweetness the malt bill leaves behind. No ABV or IBU is listed for this bottling, so check the label before assuming how big or bitter it runs. Stouts with this flavor profile often land on the stronger side, and a larger pour is worth sharing. Serve it cooler than room temperature but not ice cold. Around 50 to 55°F (10 to 13°C), roughly 20 to 30 minutes out of the refrigerator, lets the cocoa and coffee aromatics open up. Straight from a cold fridge, the roast flattens and the beer tastes thinner than it is. For glassware, a tulip or snifter concentrates the aromatics and suits a rich dark beer well. A nonic pint or a stemmed tulip works if you are pouring a larger measure. Pour with a gentle head and avoid chilled glasses, which mute the flavors. At the table, the roasted character pairs naturally with grilled or smoked meats such as brisket, ribs, or sausage, where the char and the beer's roast reinforce each other. It also works with aged cheddar or blue cheese. For dessert, chocolate cake, brownies, or vanilla ice cream suit it, and a splash of the beer poured over the ice cream turns it into a float.