Experience the strong yet remarkably smooth taste of a stout—the darker, dryer side of beer.
Traditionally, stouts were classified as the strongest porters available, usually over 7%. Today they come in many forms and flavors, and the term stout is more associated with dark beer than strong beer.
Let’s begin with the basics. There are several varieties of stouts:
Milk Stout – This creamy style contains lactose, which is a sugar derived from milk.
Dry Stout – Also known as Irish stout, this standard style is dry and less sweet.
Oatmeal Stout – Slightly bitter compared to milk stouts but sweeter than dry stouts.
Chocolate Stout – A greater malt influence evident in the discernible dark chocolate flavor.
Imperial Stout – Features a high alcohol content, dark color and strong flavor.
Almost everyone loves a pint of Guinness Draught—the world’s top-selling stout. While it’s hard to argue with that, if you really want to try something special for the holidays, then cozy up to the rich roasted flavors of these comforting craft brews.
Try our Top 5 winter stouts:
1. Lagunitas Imperial Stout
Rich, thick and decadent, this highly roasted malted barley is made in the traditional Russian style. Potent and complex, this popular brew features malty aromas, smoky notes and a touch of caramel sweetness. ABV: 9.9%
2. Belching Beaver Peanut Butter Milk Stout
This delicious milk stout is foamy and silky yet remarkably light. Enjoy hints of roasted coffee and peanut butter on the nose. Experience the nutty, chocolatey goodness on your palate with a lingering finish. ABV: 5.3%
3. Deschutes Obsidian Stout
Deeply dark and smooth, this craft brew from Oregon has just enough hoppiness to cut the sweetness. Obsidian is rich and robust with distinct flavors of espresso, chocolate, roasted malt and black barley. ABV: 6.4%
4. Young’s Double Chocolate Stout
Enjoy hints of burnt cocoa on the nose. Featuring chocolate malt and real dark chocolate, this medium to full-bodied stout is smooth and well-balanced with the perfect amount of dryness on the palate. ABV: 5.2%
5. North Coast Old Rasputin Imperial Stout
This stout is as flavorful as it is viscous, boasting notes of black licorice with roasted chocolate undertones. The pronounced carbonation and complex flavors lead to a warming finish. ABV: 9.0%
