This stout from East Brookfield’s Timberyard Brewing Company poured a deep, ebony with a thick tan head and was wicked dark. The first whiff was smokey and sweet with dark chocolate. It had a great balance of roasted malt, hints of chocolate and coffee which gave it a sweet smoothness. There is a little bitterness that adds to the mix by creating a great contrast.The mouth feel seemed a little thin but the layers of flavor kept it intertesting. The finish had a sweet malty bitterness with more chocolate. It was the overall smoothness that made this a real pleasure to drink.

The Sonic Pairing: Smooth, smokey and sweet lead me to the live document from Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood, “Live From Madison Square Garden”. These former Blind Faith band mates pull from both of their extensive catalogs with nuggets from their various musical projects. The sweetness of Derek And The Dominos(Clapton) “Tell The Truth” to the smokiness of the Traffic instrumental “Glad”(Winwood) to the smoothness of the solo Clapton hit “Forever Man” and Winwood’s “Split Decision” make this a well balanced brew that flows like a delicious stout pouring into a glass.

The beers featured in the Sonic Beer Blog can be found at Mass Liquors on Chandler St, Worcester, Mass.