(Technical issues ➡️ backlog) It's been quite a long time since I had a chance to enjoy and review a new beer of our own. This licorice flavored Milk Stout was brewed two months ago and has rested in bottle for almost five weeks now. The beer is bright black. Carbonation is balanced and it creates a cappuccino-tinted head that thickens up to one finger. Retention seems to be appealingly long. So far, so good. The nose receives easily a good punch of licorice. It's somewhat sweet, obviously thanks to lactose that we applied in the brewing. I can also spot moderate dark malt. Overall, nice and gives a candy-like impression. The taste is a tad sweet, just like it was intended to be. Licorice candy is undeniable on the tongue and is followed by a bit of caramel malt, lactose and hefty vanilla. That's fantastic! This is actually the first time we used real vanilla pods instead of vanilla extract. Vanilla extract has vanilla that has been infused in agave syrup, for example. The problem with the extract used in brewing is that the syrup ferments and turns into alcohol, and dilutes the vanilla flavor. The real vanilla doesn't boost the ABV but gives a more generous palate. Just love it! The body is light, which is no surprise at 4.3 %. The finish keeps on melting on the tastebuds like sweet licorice candy. No difference whatsoever. The end's got evil in the eyes, and catnip is the taste. The mouthfeel is light, candy-like, soft and smooth. Astonishingly enough, it doesn't glue the lips at all despite sweetness. I find this very balanced and nicely attractive. This is a good sipper, not necessarily very slow, but I'd rather not gulp many of these in a row. Successful. 🖤🖤