Fremont Dark Star
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Tasting Notes
Dark Star pours with aromas of roasted coffee, bittersweet chocolate, and a faint whisper of dark dried fruit. On the palate, expect a firm roast bitterness layered over cocoa and molasses, with a moderate sweetness that keeps things balanced rather than cloying. The body is full and smooth without being syrupy. The finish is long and dryly roasty, lingering with notes of espresso and dark toast.
About the Brewery
Fremont Brewing is based in Seattle, Washington, and has been operating since 2009. They've built a strong reputation in the Pacific Northwest for approachable but well-crafted ales, with a particular following around their barrel-aging program. Their B-Bomb winter ale and various barrel-aged stouts have become notable seasonal releases, and the brewery is recognized as one of Seattle's anchor craft operations.
Food Pairings
A smoked brisket works well here because the roasty bitterness mirrors the char of the meat without fighting it. Aged cheddar or a sharp hard cheese offers a salty, fatty contrast that softens the beer's bitter roast edge. A dark chocolate brownie or flourless chocolate cake aligns with the cocoa notes and makes both the food and beer taste richer. Oysters on the half shell are a classic match, with the beer's roast cutting through the brine in the same way a dry stout would, just with more weight behind it.
Style Guide
American Double or Imperial Stouts are essentially a pushed-further version of the standard stout — more malt, more roast, more alcohol, and more body. They typically land between 8% and 12% ABV, with dominant flavors of coffee, dark chocolate, and roasted grain, often accompanied by dark fruit or vanilla depending on the malt bill. The style grew out of American craft brewing's tendency to amplify British archetypes, and it sits apart from a standard stout primarily in its intensity and fuller mouthfeel. Unlike a Russian Imperial Stout, the American version tends to lean into roast bitterness over the thick, almost vinous sweetness of its Russian-inspired counterparts.