Cierzo Brewing was launched in 2018 as a union between craft beer microbrewers Populus, Hoppy and Gourpass.  With a Brewpub in the centre of Zaragoza and a main brewery in Caspe the company can not only provide for the local market but have devleoped a succesful export arm as well. 

The name of the company is the name of the strong, dry, cold north easterly wind that runs through the Ebro valley, where Zaragoza is located. The strength of the different beers are reflected in the strength of the arrow on the branding.

Shadowplay is a mild stout with plenty of creamy boy, a mix of malts, oats and natural vanilla give a welcoming smooth taste.

The beer looks impressive, an impenetrable blackness in the glass with a strong tea stain head. Considering the inclusion of vanilla is confidently promoted in the title, it lacks the anticipated vanilla notes on the nose which dissapoints a little, but the taste is rich, complex and enjoyable. All of the expectation of a cream stout with touches of bunry caramel and coffee.

The after taste brings forward the toastd finsih and a lingering taste of oats but that anticipated sweetness is there mingled in the distance with gentle delight. 

This is a good stout for those who are new to the black and is certainly not as heavy as many of the field can be. It is also a very drinkable tipple that satisfies and tempts with equal measure.

Buy directly from their website here or explore the rest of the Cierzo range.