First Posted: 3/6/2015

Glassware: Stouts are great beers right out of the fridge, but their aromas and flavors will unlock as they slowly warm up. Glassware that allows this to occur are best. Try serving this beer in Spiegelau’s stout glass or try a snifter, nonic pint glass or an oversized wine glass.

Description: Kujo pours jet black in color with a beige head that lasts long and leaves behind a thin lacing on the glass. The aroma is full of roasted malt notes backed by strong hints of fresh roasted coffee. The taste follows the nose with roasted malts attacking first follower by notes of baker’s chocolate, hints of caramel, toffee and vanilla, before the coffee washes over, cleansing the palate and leaving a semi-dry finish. The medium body and low carbonation provides a smooth drinking experience with very subtle hints of the high ABV on the back end. Kujo is a dog with bite, but with a smooth sweetness, makeing it hard not to go back for more. It’s the perfect stout for warming oneself on a cold winters evening.

Food pairing: The strong coffee bite and subtle sweetness make this a multi-tasking beer that is great with a number of red meat dishes and desserts. Try pairing this beer with a delectable hanger steak. The wonderful iron and mineral taste from the meat meld wonderfully into the roasted malts and sweetness of the beer, while the coffee seemingly washes over everything and cleanses the palate perfectly. Try pairing with brisket or sirloin as well for an enjoyable experience.

Another wonderful meat-based pairing is with braised short ribs. For an added layer of flavor put some brown sugar on to bring out the caramel flavors within the beer. The ribs will absolutely melt into the malts while the wonderful caramelization will enhance the sweetness of the beer and make for a world class pairing. Kujo is, of course, a phenomenal beer with desserts and don’t be afraid to experiment in this category. Certainly try this beer with sticky toffee pudding, tiramisu, caramel topped chocolate brownies and pecan caramel ice cream.

The Final Word: Flying Dog is a brewery that loves to experiment. Whether through using oysters in their stout or adding Old Bay seasoning to their summer ale, the brewery does not shy away from experimentation of any kind. And often, yield phenomenal results. The idea of blending delicious coffee into a beefed up imperial stout may not sound new, but when done right it is fantastic. The trick is to find coffee that is as smooth and drinkable as a delicious imperial stout. With Kujo, Flying Dog has most certainly proven their skills. This is a beer that could find its place on your breakfast table next to your morning cup of coffee, bagel and eggs and not seem out of place at all. Kujo is a must try beer for all fans of stouts

Rating: WWWW

Where can I get it? : Currently available in 12 oz. bottles at: Backyard Ale House- Scranton

Remember, enjoy responsibly.