Since 1996, Adam Firestone and David Walker have been producing amazing beers in California’s Central Coast. The Paso Robles Brewery has won the award for Best Mid-Size Brewery at four of the last five World Beer Cups. Renowned for crafting iconic pale ales and pioneering barrel-aged beers, they now have a portfolio of nearly two dozen year round & seasonal brews.

ABV: 5.5%     IBU’s: 23

Pour: A deep dark brown, almost black, with Mahogany highlights when viewed in the light. It is surprisingly opaque for the style. The one finger cappuccino colored head dissipates quickly but does leave a light lacing behind.

Nose: Offers up notes of oatmeal and roasted malts. Coffee and chocolate notes are plentiful and intertwine with a slightly smoky note. Sweet notes of molasses can be detected along with some earthy hop notes.

Palate: Tons of roasted malts. First you get the coffee, then the oats and chocolate flood the palate. There is a molasses like sweetness that hits at just about the same time that the smokiness does. A hint of vanilla is also discernible.

Overall: Mocha Merlin is a great coffee oatmeal stout from the folks at Firestone Walker. Has loads of coffee notes on the nose and palate making it an excellent winter beer that with a lower than average ABV can be drunk (instead of sipped) by the fireplace. Try pairing it with aged cheddar, pork mole or chocolate chip oatmeal cookies.

Beer Buyer Overall Rating: 4 Out Of 5 Pints