Wednesday, January 25, 2012

What We’re Drinking Now: Wintry Stouts

Snow, pounding rain and gale-force winds—lately we’ve all been pummeled with every type of extreme winter weather imaginable. Thankfully, we’ve got a fridge stocked full of warming, wintry brews geared toward the cold weather—here’s a taste of a few stouts we’ve been sampling at the Imbibe office.

And for more winter weather-ready brews, check out “Oaky Dokey” from our January/February issue.

Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout
10% ABV, Brooklyn, New York
This might just be the ultimate fireside sipper. Each winter we anticipate the arrival of this imperial stout, with its malty body, creamy mouthfeel and bittersweet chocolate notes throughout. Beer and ice cream float in the dead of winter? We think so.

Lagunitas Cappuccino Stout
9.2% ABV, Petaluma, California
Surprisingly easy-drinking given its high ABV, this coffee-infused stout combines notes of fresh-brewed beans, chocolaty caramel malts and just a touch of tangy fruit.

Odell Bourbon Barrel Stout
10.5% ABV, Fort Collins, Colorado
Whiskey, whiskey and more whiskey! Aged for four months in Kentucky bourbon barrels, this is a smooth and spirited stout with notes of caramel, chocolate and vanilla all influenced by its time spent in wood.

Sweetwater Happy Ending
9% ABV, Atlanta, Georgia
Heartily dry-hopped, this imperial stout keeps on giving with lingering notes of coffee, molasses, warming alcohol and a hint of hop bitterness. Definitely a beer that warms to the core.