San Diego’s AleSmith Brewing Company is one of several in Southern California producing an impressive roster of beers. Among AleSmith’s selection of well-recognized year-round labels is Speedway Stout, a deep, dark, roasty imperial stout full of coffee and chocolate notes. This heralded brew has won awards at the California State Fair, San Diego Strong Ale festival and the World Beer Championships.

Poured from a large, sleek 750-ml bottle into a small tumbler glass, Speedway Stout appears a deep dark black with an off-white head that resembles the checkered flag that characterizes the beer’s name. Getting a whiff of Speedway Stout is like taking a deep breath in a coffee roastery, mixed with a hint of bittersweet chocolate.

From it’s first sip, the taste is clear and concise, combining these wonderfully complimentary flavors to great effect. The flavor isn’t all roast and chocolate though, as traces of dark fruits and malt show through, preventing any one taste from stealing the show or becoming overwhelming. Despite the stout’s 12% ABV, no undesirable tinges of alcohol come through, and it drinks deceptively smooth. 

AleSmith also produces limited quantities a special reserve version, aged for a year in bourbon barrels. Creamy and inviting, even the regular Speedway Stout lives up to its award-winning hype. The large-format bottle and high alcohol content of this powerful beer make it well-suited for sharing, perfect for a winter’s evening nightcap with friends.

Photo via Flickr user the_photographer