Lion Stout

by Bruce
(Louisville, Kentucky)

Lion stout: pours and purrs softly, we're told

Beer Pong Zombies gravely inebriated, part of our huge collection of beer t-shirts!

Why would they want to drink stout in a place as hot as Sri Lanka? And how would a product made on that tropical island nation survive the journey halfway around the continent to landlocked Louisville, Kentucky?

Those questions -- and the subtropical heat common in my city during July and August --convinced me to order a couple of cases of Lion Lager and Lion Stout for my suburban package liquor store.

The packaging graphics and quality cardboard make a good first impression, especially if you have preconceptions about the overall quality of life in Sri Lanka. Clearly this brand intends to compete for First World retail shelf space.

On the pour you'll find that Lion Stout is a smooth, fairly still brew with little-to-no head or carbonation. It's nevertheless fresh on the nose and well-constructed from the first sip.

Classic dark-roast coffee, chocolate and caramel flavors with subdued hops. Very smooth on the finish, more volcanic mineral than jungle earth.

Their slogan is "The cold dark beer for hot food", an idea that I tested alongside a couple of spicy boil-in-bags direct from India (dal and mutter paneer). Whatever the tensions with Tamil separatists and their allies in Tamil Nadu, this stout lives up to its food pairing promise. I'm going to put it opposite homemade Thai-style curry in the very near future.

At 8% abv, I conclude that Lion Stout has enough heft and complexity to be shelf-stable and fresh-tasting without a CO2 zip in its step. If you prefer a foamy headed Guinness or Beamish from a draught can, be advised that Lion Brewery cannot yet compete technologically. However, a bottle of Lion Stout stands proudly on its own classic character. We price it at $8.99 for a six pack.

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Lion Stout

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Jul 19, 2008
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Found AGAIN!
by: Anonymous

YES! What a fantastic dark brew, tasty in all aspects. Originally found at Horrack's grocery in Kentwood, MI(Grand Rapids) with many quality meats and cheeses, that's another story altogether.

Moved away and haven't had a drink since May 2006, of this great brew that is!

Well worth the money for a great beer!

Aug 10, 2007
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Great review, never mind the pic
by: Ashley Cotter-Cairns

My fault entirely... We didn't have a pic, so I found one online. Obviously it was the wrong Lion bottle. We'll update with the correct pic shortly.

Great review, Bruce. We hope you'll join us as the first Beer Delegate for Kentucky!

Aug 09, 2007
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Lion stout wrong bottle
by: Sharlene Adams

As the Exports Manager for the brewery that does Lion stout I was quite shocked to see the picture on this page as it is not the Lion stout we export to the US.

Would it be possible to contact our importer or his National Sales Manager

Joe Cekola- Importer on 269-207-4025

James Vanderkolk - 616-405-3260

Could you also let them know what the product is that is displayed on this page as The Lion Brewery Sri Lanka has registered the LION trademark for beers and this product would be an infringement.