Milagro is Pure Project’s take on the Irish dry stout, served on nitro and brewed with organic shade-grown coffee from Costa Rica plus Madagascar vanilla beans. On paper it is everything we like. In the glass, it left us a little wanting.

The basics

• Brewery: Pure Project Brewing (San Diego, CA)
• Style: Dry Irish Stout (Nitro)
• ABV: 5.3%

What to expect

Poured on nitro, Milagro looks the part: near-black with that signature cascading creamy head. The nose is heavy on freshly roasted coffee with caramel malt and vanilla underneath. The coffee comes from Cafe Milagro in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, hand-roasted and paired with vanilla beans for a creamy, roasted profile with hints of dark chocolate.

On the palate the nitro does its thing, delivering a smooth, creamy mouthfeel over a light body. Coffee and vanilla lead, dark chocolate follows, and the finish is dry with a touch of bitterness. It is all very pleasant. Our issue is that it never quite builds into something memorable. The flavors are there but muted, like a good idea at low volume.

Our rating

6.6/10

Rated by Sam (6), Alex (7), and Nick (6.7). All three landed in the same neighborhood, which says something. This is a solid, well-made dry stout that does not embarrass itself, but at these scores it is not one any of them reach for. If you love nitro stouts, you will enjoy it. If you are choosing one dark beer for the evening, there are stronger options on this site.