Jamaican Dragon Stout – Dark Beer That Makes Me Say Boo

Dragon Stout…? Undrinkable.

It’s hard to believe, I know, but after years of enjoying countless beer varieties all over the Caribbean, I have finally come across a brew that makes me say “boo!”

Trust me, I’m as surprised as you are.

I mean, I like stouts as much as the next guy. Guinness Stout ranks high on my all-time list of favorite beers. Regular readers of Uncommon Caribbean might also remember that I even like Trinidad’s Royal Extra Stout, despite its“curious” flavor. The way some people talk about Royal Stout you’d think that anyone who likes it will like just about anything!

So, what’s my problem with Jamaica’s Dragon Stout?

Well, when I saw it on the shelf at my local West Indian grocery store, I didn’t think there would be any problem at all. I go to Jamaica on business a lot, but I had only tried Dragon Stout once while eating lunch at Scotchie’s. I remember liking it okay, but thinking that I needed to try it a few more times before developing a real opinion.

Try #2 solicited an opinion, alright; one that has me thinking there should not be a try #3.

The Dragon Stout I tried to drink here in Florida had the super-thick consistency of motor oil with an ultra-sweet flavor that was kind of chocolaty. Anyone that knows me knows that I love chocolate almost as much as I love beer, but I don’t like to mix it with anything.

Chocolate, nice. Peanut butter, nice. Chocolate and peanut butter mixed together, no thanks.

(Rum is an exception, however.)

Same applies to beer (most of the time). Hold the chocolate, please.

Dragon Stout from Jamaica | Photo by Steve Bennett

On the plus side, though, Dragon Stout is strong. Very strong. Each little 10 oz bottle contains a whopping 7.5% of alcohol by volume. Compare that to the 4.7% alcohol in the 12 oz Banks Beer sitting next to me as I type this and you begin to realize why so many people swear by (and because of) this stuff.

Dragon Stout is just not for me, but what about you? Have you tried it? Do you like it? Leave us a comment below and let us know.

As for me, when it comes to Jamaican beers, I’d rather opt for another option made by the brewers of Dragon Stout…

Hooray beer!

Last updated by Steve Bennett on 09/16/2021.