For nearly seven years, Sixpoint Craft Ales has been producing a solid roster of beers, created in what they refer to as their “laboratory” in Red Hook, Brooklyn, NY. Their website states with much bravado that brewing at Sixpoint is an improvisatory experience, culled from the artistic energy in the community. This is the philosophy that led to Diesel, a stout sparked with the addition of fresh hops. Though the beer has been offered on draft for several years, November 2011 saw the first shipment of Diesel in cans.

Poured from a 16-oz. nano-keg (the vessel used for all Sixpoint labels), Diesel appears dark black and thick, somewhat reminiscent of motor oil in appearance. Its scent is anything but, presenting first the roasted, chocolaty elements of a stout, followed by a surprisingly crisp, bitter hop presence that fills out the nose.

At first sip, Diesel keeps its promise as a tried and true American dark beer, full of rich chocolate flavor, but with a refreshing edge of bitterness (thanks to an uncharacteristic 60 IBUs, not usually found in a porter). After several swallows, the fresh hop finish lingers after the robust flavors of toffee and dark roast have had their say. At 6.6% ABV, this stout packs quite a bit of flavor without leaving you knocked out by overwhelming booze or sweetness.

Sixpoint founder Shane Welch recently turned all brewing operations over to his staff, who bring even more ideas to the table, so we can expect other fun creations to come out of Brooklyn soon. Diesel is a great choice when your are looking for a refreshing, inexpensive stout. And hopheads that usually shy away from darker brews take note: this stout may have you singing a different tune.

Top photo via Flickr user amberdegrace