How to survive the winter blues!
I will admit that I am not a huge fan of winter. When getting a good beer photo, the snow and cold lead to complicated conditions!
If it weren’t for those warming stouts, I would rather hibernate!
I wanted to share a few that I have recently had that have been excellent! So, if you are like me, I like to take the time to sit in front of the fireplace and let these warm to show all of their characteristics.
Winter Soldier
Pint Nine Brewing Company has created a barrel-aged stout that has been a local favorite this winter. This 9.8% ABV stout was aged in a Templeton 10-Year-Old Rye Whiskey barrel for a year. It is very rich with chocolate notes. It has a nice warm whiskey flavor with some oakiness.
The mouthfeel is exceptionally full, which enhances this stout. This is a stout that you can’t just try once! You will want to keep it on hand until spring occurs for us folks in Nebraska, which could be in May.
KBS
There are times when you say to yourself, “Why haven’t I had this beer lately?” Nothing is better than warming up with a KBS by the fireplace! The deep, bold coffee notes are wrapped in chocolate and bourbon. This 12% ABV barrel-aged Imperial Stout from Founders Brewing Company has a warming finish that will melt your heart.
Over the past week of sub-zero temperatures, KBS has been the only thing I looked forward to at the end of the day.
Surly Darkness
I have to admit this winter is the first time having Surly Brewing Co. Darkness. I have heard so much about this Russian Imperial Stout and knew it was hard to get one. A colleague of my oldest had one, and he was gracious enough to share it with me!
It was hard to let this one warm up. I wanted to try it right away! The wait was over, and the first sip revealed roasty dark chocolate notes with a slight sweetness and a hint of cherry. The legs on this beer are amazing! The mouthfeel is full and a bit silky. For a 12% ABV stout, it isn’t boozy and doesn’t have the warming feeling of a higher ABV beer.
One has to be amazed at the malt profile of this fantastic stout. It is a perfect blend to get that rich chocolate experience with just the right amount of roastiness. I feel fortunate to get to try this Russian Imperial Stout!
I hope everyone stays warm this winter. If you get the chance to try these three stouts, do it!
Cheers!