I had quite the selection before me at La Mundial. I feel sorry for Lorien, who seemingly happily brought down all the examples of stout from the shelves and dug a few out of the fridge too. I guess it’s his job and all, but there were people coming and going and it has to be a distraction to have a bunch of beer all lined up on the counter, waiting to go back to their proper places of display. Anyway, I did see a few that looked like they should not be passed up. Although it’s part of the ethos to do your best to consume locally, I just had the urge to be international this time. I did of course buy a national beer, but the one I have now came from Scotland. It’s Vault City’s Mini Mars. This “stellar” stout is certainly going to be more of a dessert than a meal, or even than just a snack. It might be mini, but these things have a way of punching above their weight, if they’re any good that is.
Powerfully pastry aroma, with the vanilla giving it a touch of cola. There is a good head – for about 5 seconds and then it dissipates, also cola-like. It’s still a good, dark brown color, though. There’s also the chocolate and caramel notes that you would expect from its namesake. Although it flows easily and doesn’t look like a thick beer, it definitely has a heavy feel. The caramel is dominant in the first sip and leaves a stouty bitter aftertaste. There’s a feeling of consuming something burned or at least caramelized, something that almost tastes like it should be crispy. It leaves a little tickle on the tongue, again harking back to the cola with its fizz, but is otherwise smooth. Even the “burned” taste is not very abrasive. Although thick and mouthfilling, it’s a slippery and easy beer for drinking. It is probably fortunate that it isn’t especially alcoholic, although the impression is one of a much stronger beer. It’s a beer that shoots for the stars, and at least for me, it’s out of this world.
Supplier: La Mundial
Price: €7.10
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