If the words Milk Stout don’t sound appealing to you, it’s probably because you have never tried Mackeson XXX Milk Stout beer. Dark and sweet, Mackeson’s is one of the last survivors of a once popular way of brewing beer. This old southern English style of sweet stout uses lactose as its sweetener (derived from milk, and hence its name). Smooth and creamy, you will find hints of chocolate and coffee from the roasted malts, but not to an overpowering degree.
"Looks good, tastes good and, by golly, it does you good," was the popular 1950s catch phrase that sold countless cases of this beer to stout lovers. But this tasty dark brew has been around since 1907. Developed in England, you know it’s gotta be good. Just like any good dark beer, its dusky brown head and rich black body are darker than a moonless prairie night. Yet this stout is smoother than most others and doesn’t assault your palate with the over-roasted flavor that many dark beers rely so heavily on. Clean, sweet and delicious, you’ll find yourself drinking Mackeson XXX packing away bottles of this stout like it was your job.
Although the added sugar doesn’t aid in the fermentation of this stout or give it a higher alcohol by volume, it does add body, sweetness and calories to the finished beer. If bitter ales and lagers aren’t your style, this yummy stout might help beer gain some ground in your drinking portfolio. You can pick up a six pack at Trader Joe’s. Just look for the milk churning can on the Mackeson XXX Milk Stout label.
Jake Kulju is a freelance writer, and food & wine reviewer. Visit his web site, www.jakekulju.com.