Pearl Jet from Marston's Review

I picked up this pint of Pearl Jet in the Sun Inn which is one of the best Buxton Pubs. I'm sure you're all aware of Marston's as they own no end of pubs and produce a hell of a lot of beer including the likes of Pedigree and Wainwright while also owning companies like Wychwood Brewery. Pearl Jet is a 4.5% jet black stout with a head that disappears faster than The Flash. The beers aroma is quite an odd mixture of chocolate, roasted coffee malts, toffee, and I have no idea what else. You know those beers that just smell like everything and as a result simultaneously nothing? This is one of those beers.

As stouts go Pearl Jet has quite a light, but creamy texture, almost like a slightly thin Guinness Draught. I usually really like stouts but there's something about this one that just doesn't sit right. Everything in the taste seems like a good idea, but it just doesn't seem to combine well in this case. You'll certainly get some liquorice, quite a lot actually, there's some chocolate, and oddly some slightly odd fruity notes. I don't know for me it's just not quite right as a stout. It's too thin, it's too mixed up, and the taste just isn't enjoyable. I guess it's possible it was slightly off as I've only ever had Pearl Jet this once, but I wouldn't try it again. I'm going to give Pearl Jet from Marston's a very disappointing 2 out of 10.