Evil Twin Even More Jesus

Even More Jesus is a stout from Evil Twin, and the name points to the heavy end of the style. The details on file don't give an ABV or IBU, so the following describes what stouts with this name usually deliver. Expect an opaque, near-black pour with a tan head that fades slowly. Aromas of dark roasted malt, espresso, bittersweet chocolate and a little dark fruit are typical of the style. On the palate, stouts at this strength tend to be full-bodied and viscous, with roast bitterness balanced by residual sweetness. Hop character is usually in the background, there to keep the sweetness from turning cloying. Check the label for the exact strength before you serve it, because that decides how many people can share a bottle. Serve it cooler than room temperature but not fridge-cold, around 10 to 13°C (50 to 55°F). Straight from a cold fridge, the roast reads as flat bitterness and the chocolate and coffee notes stay muted. Give it fifteen to twenty minutes on the counter and the aroma opens up noticeably. A tulip, snifter or small stemmed tasting glass suits it better than a pint. The narrowing rim holds the roasted aromatics, and a smaller pour suits a beer this rich. Pour slowly down the side of the glass, then finish in the centre to build a modest head. Pair it with dishes that match its weight or contrast with its richness. Dark chocolate desserts, flourless chocolate cake and salted caramel all work, as does vanilla ice cream, which people often pour the stout over as a float. On the savoury side, try smoked brisket, braised short ribs or aged cheeses such as sharp cheddar or blue, where the salt and fat balance the roast. A small glass after dinner, with dessert or on its own, shows this style at its best.