Cream Stout -- St. Peter's Brewery (St. Peter's Hall, Suffolk, England)

Another sampling from the elusive St. Peter's Brewery. The Cream Stout comes in a round (not elliptical) greenish glass bottle that doesn't stand out like the English Ale but still commands attention in the grocery or liquor store. Fans of oatmeal stouts should pay close attention, even though this is a thick cream stout.

Characteristics: Deep black-brown, nearly opaque color; medium carbonation; minimal head; heavy body; smooth opening has smoky notes that go malty sweet in middle and finishes with that dry Fuggles hop tang and some coffee overtones.

Minor Gripes: This is the rare specialty beer that is better on the colder end of the spectrum between "fridge" and "room temp." Since this really is a beet to savor, and I don't have a wine bucket, the fragility is tricky.

Bottom Line: I'm torn about St. Peter's Cream Stout. The initial "molten ice cream" experience quickly dissipates into an unbalanced mix. If you keep it cool, it's a richly rewarding stout.

Rating: 6 / 10 at the right temp, 4.5 / 10 when it gets too warm.