Rating: 6/6
17 Mint Chocolate Stout by Perennial Artisan Ales is a 10% ABV Imperial Stout brewed with cacao nibs and mint leaves.
COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
17 is a decadent chocolate stout complimented with a smooth mint finish perfect for winter’s last hurrah. Clocking in at 10% alcohol by volume, it is sure to warm you inside and out.
==Introduction==
I first tried this beer at the Bruery 8th Anniversary Party and from what I had remembered, it was a very delicious beer. I have tried mint chocolate stouts in the past such as the one from Shipyard or the Ken Schmidt one which I do agree are some of the best one. However, this one seemed even more special. I couldn’t quite figure it out but once I saw that craftshack.com was selling it, I would not pass up the opportunity to bring it to the website here. They make a Bourbon Barrel version of this but this is the first time I really dig into a Perennial only brewed beer. Let’s take a look.
Aromas:
Mocha, mint mocha, Irish cream notes, pillow mints, anise, molasses, chocolate mint ice cream, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, Chocolate abuelita, German chocolate, chocolate mousse, dark fruit currants, raisins, cherries, raspberry, capirotada raisin bread pudding, rocky road ice cream, marshmallow smores, graham cracker, fruit cake, mint fudge cake, vanilla, caramel, dulce de leche hints, roasted coffee notes, espresso, Kahlua liqueur notes, brown sugar and almond joy ice cream.
Flavors:
Rich chocolate mint ice cream, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, bakers chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, Chocolate abuelita, German chocolate, chocolate mousse, vanilla, caramel, dulce de leche hints, roasted coffee notes, espresso, Kahlua liqueur notes, mocha, mint mocha, Irish cream notes, pillow mints, anise, molasses, Danish cream, flan, crème brulee, sweetened condensed milk, dark fruit currants, raisins, cherries, raspberry, capirotada raisin bread pudding, rocky road ice cream, almond joy, toasted coconut, yerba buena herbs, evergreen, earthy hop notes, marshmallow smores, graham cracker, fruit cake, mint fudge cake and cinnamon hints.
Aftertaste:
Delicious mint and chocolate fudge cake lingers along with coffee notes, dark chocolate, vanilla, flan, dark fruits, molasses and tobacco notes. No alcohol in the taste. Deep dark leprechaun abyss pitch black full body. Smooth, silky, velvety, syrupy, chewy and rich mouthfeel along with an easy to moderate drinkability despite the ABV.
Overall:
Beyond exceptional. This is the best mint chocolate stout I have ever had. So much balance between the chocolate in the mint that this does seem a lot like a liquid mint chocolate ice cream and way more. More delicious than the Belgo Anise and the Mint Chocolate from Shipyard. I wish I could get the other ones more regularly especially this one but trying it makes me consider wanting to make a mint choco stout myself. Anyways, this is a must get and a highly recommended brew.
Anime Corner:
Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck from Bleach was used in this pairing as I wanted to pair with the colors of green mint, the strength and complexity of the brew as well. Mainly representing this dark brew as a total bad ass but the origin of the dark world Hueco Mundo. The sweetness also helps greatly for this beer as it pair with Nel’s kind hearted character too.
Sources:
Brewerianimelogs (Anime and Beer Lore) 
