There once was a time when various Asian nationswere under the rule of the British Empire. Countries such as India, Malaysia,Singapore, Hong Kong, and Ceylon (now known as Sri Lanka) flew the Union Jack proudly as colonies of the United Kingdom. His (Her) majesties troops were also deployed to these hot weather outposts, where alcoholic refreshment was few and far between. At one point in the 19th century, a style of beer known as India Pale Ale was created in the mother country, and exported to the thirsty soldiers in these hot regions. The India Pale Ale (IPA) was especially made with extra hops to preserve the beer so it could withstand the long journeys and the high temperatures of these areas of the world.
This however is not about IPA’s, for most of them are light in body and in color with large hop character. I mention this in our opening paragraph because British occupancy of these nations became influential with regard to brewing. So much so, that a brewery on the Island of Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) brews a very fine pitch-black stout that is known the world over. This Asian suds manufacturer is called the Ceylon Brewery, and its popular Lion’s Stout is a drink that is worthy of the following it has around the globe.
The Ceylon Brewery has been in operation on Sri Lanka since 1881. The original brewery was located in the Island’s mountains near the holy city of Kandy. Its precise location was located on fertile tea-planting ground. Ceylon Brewery is known for making their signature Lion Lager, and also made a pale ale in the 1960’s. But Lion Stout is what has catapulted Ceylon Brewery to worldwide recognition.
Unfiltered but pasteurized, bottle conditioned Lion Stout has undergone many changes over the years. Its alcohol content has gone from 6.3 to 8.2 ABV throughout its history. This hearty top-fermenting dark brew is made with Czech, British, and Danish malts, Styrian hops and English yeast strains.
This stout has multiple The thick mocha head lasts for about 3 minutes and tops off the extremely dark black hue. Without question it is a thing of beauty. Clean fresh coffee and chocolate aromas emit from the glass. A burnt bitter coffee flavor is what makes this brew from Sri Lanka stand out. Prune-like mocha flavors, and an oily peppery texture exist, with almost no evidence of hop bitterness on the tongue. Lion Stout is smooth and buttery, and not dry like Guinness. The finish comes alive with hearty chocolate overtones.
Lion Stout accounts for 75% of all of Ceylon Brewery’s sales. The stout is so widely successful, that Ceylon opened up a new brewery in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo to keep up with the worldwide demand. After tasting this first class imitation of a British stout, you will discover why. A stout from south central Asia? You bet! And it’s darn good too!
