It’s always very difficult to rate a NA stout as I believe this is one of the most difficult style a brewer can get involved with. So, my expectations where pretty low this time. The appearance where perfect, with a nitrogen bulb this looks exactly like the original Guinness and the aroma where also more than less exactly the same. The body feels a bit thin, but then again, the original isn’t exactly like an Imperial stout either. The taste itself is the biggest difference, even if all elements as roasted malt, chocolate and coffee etc. is present the total impression is a bit less of everything – as expected actually. Then I think the beer needs to be a bit sweeter, not often I want that but as the dry part of the malt is rather similar to a regular Guinness there is something else missing and at this stage of dry it feels almost sour in a way. But anyway, not very impressive as a beer in general terms, but quite impressive as a NA version of a Guinness. Almost like a novelty beer, but might as well have this again sometimes.

Backlog March 2009. Clear, deep reddish body with almost no head. Lovely fruity aroma dominated by raspberries and acidic lemon. Taste is acidic fruity but also surprisingly sweet at the same time. Strong on the fruity berries and mild on the funk, quite smooth and as an overall impression I find it well made and balanced in a gentle way.

Bottle @ Herøya. Clear, golden body under a fast-disappearing white head. Aroma of ripe apple. Medium sweet, quite clean apple flavour with hint of acidity and cellar notes (damp wood). Balanced in flavour, balanced body. Nice, easy going decent cider.

Tap @ Patricks. Unclear, very pale, straw golden body under a lacing, small white head. Strong fruity aroma of tropical fruits and fresh grass. Taste is on the fruity side as well, close no malt or grain flavour. Still nice and very refreshing with medium bitterness that perhaps feels more bitter than the IBU due to the thin body. As a session summer beer, it feels balanced in body with a pleasant fruity and bitter aftertaste. Quaffable as can be.

Backlog March 2009. Clear amber/copper body under a dense beige head. Malt in aroma with dry fruit and a touch of spices. Taste is mild malt, fruity with a hint of chocolate. Balanced body with average aftertaste. Decent.