High & Mighty Brewing's Two-Headed Beast

By JASON + TODD ALSTRÖM

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For those of you who followed our High & Mighty Brewing Co. reviews a couple of weeks back, you might remember our mentioning that the Shelton Brothers were going to come out with a third beer under their brand. Described by Will Shelton as a "hoppy chocolate stout," Two-Headed Beast is currently making its rounds and thumping palates with more righteous fervor.

There's not a lot of information on the beer, but in a recent blog post, Will mentions that for this particular brew they'd be collaborating with Ron Jeffries of Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales out of Dexter, MI—known for his open fermentation (instead of closed stainless steel), oak barrel aging and bottle conditioning techniques. The blog is the only place it has been confirmed as of yet, but who cares? Let's try the beer.

The Taste

Opaque black; creamy coffee-colored lace with plenty of stick. Molasses, chocolate and wood notes in the nose. First sip is surprisingly light and fluffy on the palate, thanks to an uplifting and crisp carbonation. Very dry. Well-attenuated, with a rich roasted backbone, a semi-lactic bite, and chocolate, coffee and oaky threads throughout. Faint sherry-like quality, with a thin caramel note that pulls through as the beer warms; slightly tangy, too. Citric hop snap that's quite aggressive in its hoppiness—leafy, earthy and leathery at times. Bitter dark chocolate follows, with burnt charcoal and a smoky drying finish.

Final Thoughts

Stylistically, it's probably somewhere between a Belgian Stout (arguably an emerging style of dry stouts) and a foreign/export stout. Regardless of its style, it's the best out of the bunch, and a damn fine example of how a beer can be complex without having to be high in alcohol and loaded with residual sweetness. Our only issue with this beer is that we think it's a damn shame that the Shelton Brothers don't do more to tell the story of these beers—they're missing a great opportunity.

Two-Headed Beast is reported to be 6 percent alcohol by volume and is available at select beer bars—draft only. We found it pouring at Sunset Grill & Tap [130 Brighton Ave., Allston. 617.254.1331. allstonsfinest.com] last week. Get it while it lasts.

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