Let me preface this post by saying that there are few things I love more than Fort Worth and beer, so obviously I am thrilled to be writing a review for this site. Now, with that being said, the beer I’ve chosen for my review today hails (ironically) from a local brewery out of Dallas – and I’ve got nothing but love for our friends from the other side of Cowboys AT&T Stadium.
The Temptress is an award-winning imperial milk stout from the Lakewood Brewing Company, and it does not disappoint. Lakewood was founded in 2011, but don’t let that fool you. When it comes to beers, they’ve got some serious chops.
The Temptress, by virtue of its name, is strong and sweet. Coming in at 9.1% ABV, it’ll put you on your ass if you let it — but you’ll enjoy how you got there. The aroma comes off as chocolaty and sweet, almost akin to a chocolate chip cookie. But not the soft gooey kind you loved as a kid; more like the crunchy, borderline burnt kind that your pops thoroughly enjoyed (and your mom was sure as hell glad he did).
Upon taking the first sip, you immediately enjoy this beer. It’s sweet while also being sufficiently malty with a solid finish. It doesn’t trick you like other stouts, leaving you with coffee-mouth, but instead lets you down gently. Part of this has to do with the fact that it’s only lightly carbonated. This gives it a velvety-smooth mouth feel that makes for easy drinkability. But don’t be fooled, it’s called The Temptress for a reason. This beer drinks so easily that you will forget how much of a punch it packs (and goes down so smooth that sometimes you can’t save one more to take a picture of for the sake of this review – hence the packaging pic).
With its silky profile, sweeter-than-your-average taste and calm finish, I’d definitely categorize this as a beginner’s stout. If you’ve always been intrigued by stouts but don’t know where to start, start here. It’s great for a relaxing autumn night on a patio (so excited for Fall) or staying in and giving your Kindle some much-needed love.
On a side note, if you can find it on tap at your local pub, they will usually have it on nitro. If that’s the case, this is one brew you can’t pass up. The characteristics of this beer combined with that creamy Guinness-esque head make for some kind of beautiful combination.
Nerd Stats:
Name: The Temptress
Brewer: Lakewood Brewing Co.
Style: Imperial Milk Stout
ABV: 9.1%
IBU: 56
Tasting Notes:
Milk chocolate head
Sweet caramel
Touch of warm vanilla
