It’s Stout Sunday once again and I’ve got something rather interesting for today’s review. ‘White Soul’ is from Bang the Elephant Brewing Co and what makes it interesting is the style: a white stout. From what I’ve read the key difference is that malts aren’t roasted so the dark colours haven’t been imparted onto the beer. The goal seems to be to match those coffee and chocolate flavours you get in your traditional stouts but with a lighter touch. Appropriately for the weather ‘White Soul’ is flavoured with Alpine Snow Strawberries, Vanilla and local coffee from 47 Degrees.

Visually the beer pours a pale straw gold with a large but light white head. The aroma is certainly strawberry focused but more akin to a strawberry salad dressing. Quite fresh and fragrant. In terms of the flavour, the beer tastes exactly like the ingredients on the can. Sweetness from the strawberries and a light bitter kick from the coffee. The finish reminds you of double cream, with a thick, silky vibe to help balance out the other flavours in the beer.

A quick note on the can art: While it’s almost impossible to beat the art on Bang the Elephant’s Odissi, I really love the sunset photograph. Of course the mountains in the image tie back well to those alpine strawberries in the beer.

I’ve never had a white stout before but if they all taste as good as this I’m hooked. Very interesting to see the classic stout flavours appear in such a light coloured beer. Equally I think the alpine strawberries wouldn’t have worked as well in a traditional stout because those coffee and chocolate flavours are often bolder and more prominent. This White Stout feels less heavy compared to a normal stout and I imagine this would be a great beer to hit that stout craving during the summer months. Both Bang the Elephant beers I’ve had have been really lovely and I’ll definitely try and get more.

Score: 8.5/10

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Additional Information:

• Hops: Not Available
• Malt: Not Available
• IBU: Not Available
• ABV: 6.8%
• Gluten Free: No
• Vegan: Yes!
• Purchase Location: Premier Hop